Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed that Manchester City would take on Manchester United in the 198th Manchester derby without Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international has firmly established himself as Manchester City’s first-choice right-back. When the team lineups were announced for today’s massive Premier League fixture at Old Trafford, Matheus Nunes wasn’t included in City’s matchday squad. It has now been revealed that Nunes is suffering from the flu which will keep him out of today’s match.
Matheus Nunes is suffering from the flu as per Pep Guardiola’s update.
Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, has revealed that Matheus Nunes is suffering from the flu. Bajkowski has relayed the information from Pep Guardiola on X that Nunes cannot play today due to illness. That is a blow for Manchester City given how important Matheus Nunes has become to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rico Lewis has a big role to play today for Manchester City.
It is a blow for Manchester City to lose Matheus Nunes for today’s clash with Manchester United. Nunes is a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side at right-back. His pace and ability to get forward on the overlap are a vital component of Manchester City’s play. In his absence, Rico Lewis will step into the right-back role at Old Trafford.
Rico Lewis now has a crucial role to play in today’s Manchester derby. Lewis will likely invert into midfield rather than play like Matheus Nunes. That is a strength of his game, and with Antoine Semenyo likely to start on the right wing, Lewis can do what he does best today. He shouldn’t be needed to make overlapping runs going forward, but he will need to get back defensively when required to counter the threat that Manchester United will likely pose today.
Losing Matheus Nunes for today’s Manchester derby is a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. He is a crucial player for City who has stood out this season. The hope is that he isn’t sidelined too long due to the flu, but his misfortune does give Rico Lewis the opportunity to make an impression in a crucial game for Manchester City.