Matheus Nunes
MCI
CM
Creative Playmaker
Aug 27, 1998 (28)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Man CityFully available going forward
Nunes revealed he's fit and available going forward during Monday's presser ahead of the UCL opener against Porto on Tuesday. "I am good, 100% now. It was my ankle the day before Arsenal. I had a tackle and it was sore for a while but now I am fine."
Analysis: Nunes was on the bench in Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City but was an unused sub, and he's been limited to just 33 minutes of action off the bench in the current Premier League campaign. If healthy, he's expected to be the first choice on the right side of the defensive line in Enzo Maresca's 4-2-3-1 scheme.
Finds bench role
Nunes (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Coventry City.
Analysis: Nunes returned to the matchday squad after coach Enzo Maresca confirmed he was back following the undisclosed injury that had kept him out of the clash against Crystal Palace. The defender's availability creates some uncertainty on the right side of the defense, but the club opted to manage his minutes carefully rather than handing him a full workload straight away, with Abdukodir Khusanov expected to retain his starting role until Nunes returns to full speed.
Back available Saturday
Nunes (undisclosed) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Coventry City after recovering from his injury, according to coach Enzo Maresca, per City Xtra. "Nunes is back."
Analysis: Nunes returns after missing the clash against Crystal Palace, providing City with another option on the right side of the defense. His availability creates some uncertainty over the starting lineup Saturday, as Abdukodir Khusanov could retain his place at right-back or Nunes could return directly to the starting XI. Nunes' recent injury could also encourage manager Enzo Maresca to manage his minutes rather than immediately hand him a full workload.
Not an option
Nunes (undisclosed) is out for Friday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Nunes was deemed not completely fit coming into Friday after an injury he picked up in the preseason and will sit out despite earning time in the opener, with the defender left on the sidelines to face Palace. This appears to be a more cautious approach as they try to keep one of the better full-backs in the league fit for the long haul. A return could come soon, although it appears they won't rush him back.
Could be limited Friday
Nunes (undisclosed) is uncertain for Friday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace as he continues to work back toward full fitness, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "Matheus, we will see. He is still not 100%."
Analysis: Nunes returned to action off the bench against Bournemouth, playing the final 33 minutes, but he has yet to regain full fitness. The defender remains in contention Friday, though his readiness to handle a starting workload is uncertain. If Nunes is not fit enough to start, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis are the leading candidates to fill in at right-back against Palace.
Features from bench
Nunes recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and one clearance in Sunday's 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Nunes was back on the bench for City despite some injury concerns heading into the season, coming on for the final 33 minutes of the contest. This limited him to only two crosses and a clearance in the win, although he was a beneficial factor to their comeback. He will likely work back into a starting role, sending Rico Lewis to the bench.
Back on bench
Nunes (undisclosed) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Nunes has been cleared to return after being withdrawn from Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal minutes ahead of kickoff due to an apparent injury. The coaching staff opted for a cautious approach by keeping him among the substitutes rather than handing him an immediate return to the right-back role, with Abdukodir Khusanov set to start in his place. His return to the first eleven is expected to follow in the coming fixtures once coach Enzo Maresca is fully satisfied he is ready to go the distance.
Fit to face Bournemouth
Nunes (undisclosed) is fit for Sunday's game against Bournemouth, according to manager Enzo Maresca. "Matheus [Nunes] is back."
Analysis: Nunes had to be withdrawn from Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal minutes ahead of kickoff due to an apparent injury, but the right-back will be available to feature in this EPL opener. Nunes should get the nod at right-back ahead of the other options at the position, mainly Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis.
Withdrawn ahead of kickoff
Nunes had to be withdrawn from Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal minutes ahead of kickoff due to an apparent injury, according to Oli Gamp of The Sun.
Analysis: Nunes was on the bench for City as they began warm-ups for Sunday's match, but would not make it to kickoff, as the defender was consoled by medical staff before he was ultimately pulled from the match. This comes after he was unable to make it through warm-ups, with the club taking the cautious route and not risking him just a few days ahead of the season opener. This will leave City holding their breath ahead of the season, as he is their starting right-back and had broken out last season as one of the best in the league. If they are unable to rely on him to face Bournemouth on Aug. 23, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis are other options at right-back.
Set for preseason with City
Nunes is back in the fold with Manchester City for preseason, ready to go after his return from the World Cup with Portugal, the club announced.
Analysis: Nunes barely featured at the tournament, logging just one minute before Portugal's exit ahead of the semifinals. He established himself as a fixture in City's lineup last season, starting 32 of 34 Premier League matches in a hybrid role that blended right back and midfield duties, contributing a goal and five assists while adding 57 tackles and 100 clearances to showcase his two-way versatility and workrate. He projects as City's primary right back under new coach Enzo Maresca, with Abdukodir Khusanov able to step in there when necessary. Nunes is expected to keep building toward full match fitness as preseason continues.
Earns assist
Nunes assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Arsenal.
Analysis: Nunes earned an early assist against Arsenal as the full-back found Rayan Cherki in the 16th minute for the opening goal. This gives the defender his fifth assist all season, up to six goal contributions in 29 appearances (27 starts) this campaign. Since the move to full-back last season, he has started to find a new level of play, finding himself as one of the more productive right-backs in the league.
Delivers one assist in win
Matheus Nunes assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 71st minute.
Analysis: Nunes provided an assist with a precise cross for Omar Marmoush against Wolverhampton on Saturday, while also recording one key pass and one tackle. The right-back returned to the starting lineup after missing two matches across all competitions due to illness and remains a clear first-choice option, having started 18 of his 20 Premier League appearances this season, with one goal and four assists during that span.
Starting in return
Nunes (illness) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Nunes starts at right-back for Saturday's clash against Wolves after recovering from the virus that forced him to miss the last two matches across all competitions. He is cleared in time to return directly to the starting lineup. His availability pushes Rico Lewis back out of the XI.
Late call against Wolves
Nunes (illness) is still dealing with a virus and will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Wolves, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Matheus [Nunes] had a virus, I don't know [if he can play against Wolves] we'll see with the doctor."
Analysis: Nunes seems to be still dealing with the virus that made him miss the last two games across all competitions. The right-back will likely be a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Wolves if he can recover in time to be part of the squad. If he had to miss the call, Rico Lewis will likely start again in the backline for the Citizens.
Hopes to return against Wolves
Nunes won't travel with the squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Glimt as he still recovering from the flu at home, according to City Xtra.
Analysis: Nunes will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Glimt as he is still recovering from the flu at home. The club is positive about his return for Saturday's clash against Wolves in the Premier League. Until then, Rico Lewis is expected to start in the backline for Manchester City.
Ruled out with illness
Nunes is ruled out for Saturday's derby against Manchester United due to illness, coach Pep Guardiola said to the media, according to Simon Bajkowski from Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: Nunes is dealing with a flu and is not available for the derby against Manchester United. The versatile midfielder will hope to recover in time for Tuesday's clash against Glimt in the Champions League. Rico Lewis is the one starting against the red devils and should replace Nunes in the backline until he returns.
Assist from defense
Nunes assisted once to go with two crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Nunes came up with the opening assist Sunday, linking up with Erling Haaland in the 41st minute for the opening goal. This is his third assist of the season, all of which have come despite lining up at right-back, typically a midfielder in past seasons. He would also add an interception, two tackles won and five clearances in defense.
Earns assist
Nunes assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Leeds United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 55th minute.
Analysis: Nunes would be the first full-back of the match for City to earn a goal contribution Saturday as both helped the team to goals, with the Portuguese player finding Phil Foden in the first minute. This is Nunes' second assist in his past three league appearances, now with two in 11 appearances (nine starts). He also has one goal on the season, hoping to top the seven he earned in 26 appearances (19 starts) last campaign.
Assist from defense
Nunes assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-0 victory versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Nunes would enter the field at right-back Sunday, starting his seventh match in a row while recording two tackles won, two interceptions and six clearances in the defense. He would also earn an assist, finding Erling Haaland in the 29th minute for the opener. This is his first assist of the season, now with two goal contributions in nine league appearances.
Continues at right-back
Nunes recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Nunes would work his way into a starting role once again Sunday, a fourth straight start for the midfielder, all of which coming at right-back. His performance was decent, notching a shot and a cross in the attack to go along with one clearance, two tackles won and four interceptions in the defense. It seems to be his role to lose for now, although Abdukodir Khusanov (foot) could change that narrative once he returns.
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