Matheus Nunes on taking the spot left by Rodri’s absence after the latter’s ACL tear was confirmed by the club.
Matheus Nunes has admitted that Rodri’s prolonged absence due to a serious knee injury is a “massive loss” to Manchester City. But he believes he can deputise for the midfielder.
Rodri sustained ligament damage to his right knee during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. City confirmed the news early on Wednesday morning. The 28-year-old completed his preliminary testing in Manchester and is now on his way to his home country of Spain for specialised consulting. He might miss the rest of the season, which would be a serious setback for City as they look to win both their second Champions League title and the Premier League for the fifth time in a row.
After City defeated Watford 2-1 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola called Rodri “irreplaceable.” Nunes, who scored the home team’s second goal of the game, agreed. The Portugal international, who cost City £47.25 million to acquire from Wolves in August of last year, made an impression in a versatile role that occasionally saw him play in Rodri’s No. 6 position. He feels he can compensate for the loss of a player who is now known as the best at what he does in world football.
“We’re going to have to fill the void because it’s a massive loss. But whoever is on the pitch is going to perform well,” Nunes said. “At Wolves I played more as a winger and last year here I played more as a 10. But when I played for Sporting Lisbon I always played in the double pivot. So I’m used to every position now.
“I try to help the team every time the coach puts me on the field. But I know the other guys are all ready as well because we have so much quality in the team.”
“We have shown that if any player is out we have another one ready and has top quality to play”. “Last year it happened with Erling [Haaland] and Kevin [De Bruyne] and we still managed to win [the title]. This year, I know we will be the same.”
Guardiola described Rodri’s mood as “OK” on Tuesday night. “He is strong, sad, of course, and waiting for the final decision of what he has to do. We don’t want it [the injury], but we will have a good season. I expect a lot from my players and I have a duty to find a solution even if Rodri is irreplaceable.”