Matheus Nunes to Miss Manchester United vs. Man City Match
Matheus Nunes was notably absent from the lineup for Manchester City’s recent match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The midfielder missed the crucial Premier League game due to flu symptoms.
Impact on Manchester City’s Squad
Nunes had been a key player for City, starting in the last 16 Premier League matches prior to the derby. His last appearance off the bench was in September against Arsenal. Nunes also played a significant role in City’s midweek Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle, contributing for over an hour before being substituted.
With Nunes sidelined, manager Pep Guardiola opted for Rico Lewis to start at right-back. This required changes to the defensive lineup, with Lewis joining Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Alleyne, and Nathan Ake on the backline.
Guardiola’s Comments on Nunes
Guardiola praised Nunes earlier in the season, highlighting his potential to become one of the best right-backs in the league. Unfortunately, his absence has tested the squad’s depth during critical matches.
Other Player Absences
Nunes was not the only player missing for the derby. In total, nine Manchester City players were unavailable for this match. The list includes:
- Mateo Kovacic
- Ruben Dias
- Josko Gvardiol
- Savinho
- Oscar Bobb
- John Stones
- Nico Gonzalez
- Omar Marmoush (at Africa Cup of Nations)
Nico Gonzalez, who suffered an injury against Brighton, also missed the derby and remains a doubt for upcoming matches, including the Champions League fixture against Bodo Glimt.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester City navigates these challenges, the team’s resilience will be crucial in future fixtures. Nunes’ return will be eagerly anticipated, as his performance has been pivotal to City’s success this season.
