Manchester City star misses international friendly with injury ahead of FIFA World Cup | OneFootball

Matheus Nunes missed Portugal’s 2-1 friendly win over Chile on Saturday with an injury, raising doubts over his availability for the FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Manchester City midfielder-turned-defender did not feature for Portugal in the pre-tournament friendly as Roberto Martinez‘s side ran out 2-1 winners, with Nunes’ absence coming at a concerning time ahead of the tournament getting underway on June 11.

Nunes has been one of City’s most versatile performers over the past two seasons, operating predominantly at right-back under Pep Guardiola after joining the club from Wolves for £53 million in 2023 as a central midfielder. His ability to cover multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for both club and country.

Nunes absent for Portugal ahead of World Cup

The 27-year-old was absent from Portugal‘s matchday squad for Saturday’s friendly against Chile, with the nature and severity of his injury yet to be confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

Portugal open their FIFA World Cup campaign against Germany on June 15, giving Nunes a narrow window to prove his fitness before Martinez must make any decisions over his availability for the tournament.

Nunes was a key part of City’s run-in last season, starting regularly at right-back during the title race as Guardiola repeatedly the praised the Portuguese’s transformation into one of the best right-backs in the world over the course of Nunes’ best season at the Etihad Stadium.

His fitness will be closely monitored by City as they prepare for pre-season under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, who is understood to have held preliminary transfer and pre-season discussions with sporting director Hugo Viana.

What does the injury mean for City?

Nunes has been one of the few City players whose position in the squad appears secure heading into the Maresca era, given his versatility and the manner in which he thrived in an unfamiliar role last season.

Any significant injury setback at this stage would be a concern for both club and country, with City’s pre-season schedule expected to begin in July and Maresca keen to work with his full squad as early as possible.

Portugal’s medical staff will assess Nunes in the coming days, with further updates on the nature of the injury expected ahead of their final pre-tournament preparations before the World Cup gets underway.

The situation will be monitored closely at the Etihad Stadium, where Viana will be eager to receive reassurances over one of the club’s most adaptable and influential squad members ahead of a pivotal new chapter under Maresca.