Matheus Nunes
MCI
Right Back
Possession Builder
Aug 27, 1998 (28)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Could return against Brighton
Nunes (knock) could return for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brighton after missing Manchester City's last two matches, according to coach Enzo Maresca, per Sam Lee of The Athletic.
Analysis: Nunes is making progress in his recovery from the knock he sustained against Ipswich Town, which has kept him sidelined for consecutive matches. The Portuguese defender initially missed Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens before being left out of Saturday's Premier League squad against Aston Villa. However, manager Maresca's latest comments suggest Nunes could be ready to return for the upcoming encounter against Brighton, although his availability will depend on how he progresses in training over the coming days. Abdukodir Khusanov has been filling in at right-back during his absence and could continue in that role if Nunes requires additional recovery time.
Not available Saturday
Nunes (knock) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Nunes is not ready to return from the knock he sustained against Ipswich Town and misses a second straight match after sitting out Tuesday's UCL victory over AEK Athens. His continued absence leaves Abdukodir Khusanov in position to be the starter at right-back against Villa. Nunes will need more recovery time before rejoining City's defensive rotation.
Facing late fitness test for Villa clash
Nunes (knock) remains uncertain for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa after missing Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, with his availability set to be assessed during Friday's training session, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "The other three [Matheus, Nico & Mateo] we will have to wait for today's session."
Analysis: Nunes is still working toward full fitness after picking up a knock during last weekend's Premier League encounter against Ipswich Town. Although the defender initially played down concerns about his condition, he missed Monday's training session and was subsequently left out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens. Coach Maresca has now indicated that a decision on his availability for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa will depend on his participation in Friday's training session. Rico Lewis started at right-back against AEK Athens and could retain his place if Nunes is unable to recover in time. The Portuguese international will hope to resume full training ahead of the weekend, although his involvement remains uncertain until the coaching staff completes its final assessment.
Not playing Tuesday
Nunes (knock) is not in the squad for Tuesday's UCL match against AEK Athens.
Analysis: Nunes exited last weekend's game against Ipswich Town, and while the defender said he was fine, he didn't train Monday, and City are taking a cautious approach with his potential recovery. Rico Lewis is getting the start at right-back in this European clash, whereas Nunes will aim to recover in time to face Aston Villa on Saturday in the EPL.
Doubtful after training absence
Nunes (knock) was absent from Manchester City's final training session Monday after picking up a knock during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, putting his availability for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens in doubt, according to Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: Nunes was withdrawn after approximately 75 minutes against Ipswich, having started at right-back before experiencing discomfort during the second half. Despite initial indications that the injury was not serious, his absence from Monday's training session raises doubts about his availability for Tuesday's European fixture. If Nunes is unable to feature, Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to start at right-back, a position he has already occupied earlier this season.
Not expected to miss time
Nunes (undisclosed) is expected to be fine after leaving Saturday's' 3-2 win over Ipswich in the second half with a knock, manager Enzo Maresca said during the post-game press conference. "Matheus said he was OK."
Analysis: Nunes departed the game in the second half, but based on Maresca's quotes, the right-back should be fine moving forward. Manchester City may rotate the XI for the match against AEK Athens on Tuesday, so Nunes might not return to the starting lineup until next Saturday, when City travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa.
Forced off against Ipswich
Nunes was forced off with an injury in the second half of Saturday's Premier League match against Ipswich and was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov
Analysis: Nunes' afternoon ended early when he went to ground and signalled for a change with a suspected muscle issue, after a strong display at right-back. He had been preferred to Abdukodir Khusanov for the start following his half-time introduction against PSG, and Khusanov came back on in his place Saturday. City will hope Nunes is available for the Champions League trip to face AEK Athens, though Khusanov is in line to start at right-back if he is not.
Busy defensively
Matheus Nunes had two tackles (one won), two clearances and one interception in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool.
Analysis: Nunes had plenty to do during Sunday's clash, as he was left tasked with handling most of the defensive duty throughout the match. He did that well and earned the clean sheet, which seemed all but guaranteed after Liverpool had someone sent off. Nunes will need to be even better in a mid-week clash against PSG.
First leave start this season
Nunes had one cross (zero accurate) and two tackles in Sunday's 1-0 win against Manchester United.
Analysis: Nunes was in the starting XI for City on Sunday and would earn his first start of the season in league play, finally appearing fully fit after an injury to begin the campaign. He would see a decent amount of time on the ball while keeping a clean sheet with his club, recording two interceptions, two tackles won and five clearances along the way. Once he is more comfortable following the injury, he should add a bit more presence in the attack, a true two-way threat following two great seasons in the right-back role.
Fully 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.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare