Manchester City issue Matheus Nunes update after Manchester United absence | OneFootball

A new update has been issued on the fitness of Matheus Nunes following his absence against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

The Portuguese star’s unavailability in the derby was another blow for Pep Guardiola at a time when Manchester City are navigating a growing list of injury and fitness problems in various positions throughout their squad.

With injuries, illness, and international commitments all impacting selection in recent weeks amid a gruelling run of fixtures, every returning option is being viewed as a significant boost to squad depth.

Matheus Nunes’ role has become increasingly important through his versatility allowing Pep Guardiola to deploy him consistently at right-back, and the player repaying that faith with strong performances.

As City continue to manage a congested calendar across competitions, having players capable of fulfilling multiple tactical functions has proven invaluable, especially during periods when rotation is unavoidable.

Now, as relayed by MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, City are hopeful that Matheus Nunes will be fit to face his former club Wolves on Saturday afternoon despite the right-back remaining absent for the Champions League clash away at Bodo/Glimt.

It has been confirmed that Nunes has been left at home recuperating from a bout of flu that forced him out of action during the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, although the 27-year-old now reportedly wants to be in contention for involvement at the weekend.

The update suggests City are taking a cautious but optimistic approach with the Portuguese international, prioritising full recovery rather than risking a premature return and a potential inadequate performance standard from the player.

A potential return against Wolves would carry added significance for Nunes, given his strong ties to the Midlands club, offering an immediate opportunity for him to make an impact and reassert his importance in Pep Guardiola’s plans.

Should Matheus Nunes be declared fit, his inclusion would provide a timely option for Pep Guardiola in a position that has demanded adaptability throughout the season, and perhaps place Rico Lewis back into a somewhat restricted squad role.

For now, it remains to be seen how Guardiola and his coaching staff will manage without Matheus Nunes in Norway this week, although the likeliest solution would be to hand Lewis another start in a position that the Catalan coach himself believes is not the player’s strongest.