Matheus Nunes has insisted he can fill the void left in Manchester City’s midfield following Rodri’s long-term injury.
The Premier League champions confirmed on Wednesday morning that Rodri sustained a ligament injury to his right knee in Sunday’s draw against Arsenal, with fears he could miss the remainder of the season.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted the Spaniard is ‘irreplaceable’, but Nunes believes he is ready to step up and stake a claim for a starting berth in Rodri’s absence.
Nunes made his first start of the season in City’s 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with Portugal international scoring his first goal the club.
‘At Wolves I played more as a winger and last year here I played more as a 10 but when I played for Sporting I always played in the double pivot so I’m used to every position now,’ Nunes said.
Matheus Nunes believes he is capable of filling Man City’s midfield void after Rodri’s injury
City fear Rodri could miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury sustained on Sunday
Nunes scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday in a Carabao Cup win over Watford
‘I try to help the team every time the coach puts me on the field but I know the other guys are all ready as well because we have so much quality in the team. We’re going to have to fill the void because it’s a massive loss but whoever is on the pitch is going to perform well.
‘We have shown that if any player is out we have another one that is ready and has top quality to play.
‘Last year it happened with Erling and Kevin and we still managed to win. This year, I know we will be the same.’
Nunes has largely had a bit part role at City since his £53million move from Wolves in the summer of 2023.
He was limited to just nine Premier League starts during his debut season at the Etihad.
Nunes was limited to just nine Premier League starts last season after joining from Wolves
Pep Guardiola hailed Nunes as ‘unique’ but admits the midfielder still needs to ‘adapt’
Guardiola praised Nunes as ‘unique’ following the win over Watford, but believes the 26-year-old still needs to adapt to his side.
‘He has special qualities few players have, he’s unique,’ the City boss said. ‘In the space, transitions, he is unbelievable. I’m really pleased for him and the goal.
‘He will score more. Still he has things to read and understand, it’s not easy sometimes in players to adapt.
‘I’m really pleased for him, because he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things.’