Man City injury crisis deepens as "clinically unfit" star joins six on sidelines

15 November 2023 , 15:41

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Man City injury crisis deepens as "clinically unfit" star joins six on sidelines

Matheus Nunes is set to join a number of Manchester City players on the sidelines after being declared "clinically unfit" whilst on international duty with Portugal.

The midfielder had been looking to feature for his country in their games against Liechtenstein and Iceland, but will now sit out leaving City with deepening issues. Nunes, a summer signing from Wolves, is still working his way into the first-team at the Etihad.

Now though he faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with Liverpool in Manchester, which is the first assignment for Guardiola's side once they return to Premier League action in less than two weeks. The top two are both dealing with notable injury lists as Guardiola sweats on the fitness of key individuals.

Kevin De Bruyne has been absent since the opening weekend and isn't expected to return for the clash with the Reds. Sergio Gomez is also a long-term absentee. Guardiola though saw several players make it through the 4-4 draw at Chelsea but then pulled up with issues.

Goalkeeper Ederson, who conceded a stoppage-time penalty, has pulled out of the Brazil squad. It is a similar story for Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake, who have opted against playing for Croatia and the Netherlands respectively. John Stones has also seen a muscle injury flare up once more, potentially putting his involvement at risk.

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Guardiola and City enjoyed a dominant win in their clash with Liverpool at the Etihad last term, overcoming an early goal to run out 4-1 winners without the prolific Erling Haaland. Jurgen Klopp's side though have only lost once this season and are getting back to their best.

Matheus Nunes is set to be another name on the injury list (Phil Bryan/REX/Shutterstock)

The City boss spoke last week about opting to ease De Bruyne back in gradually despite how influential the Belgian can be. “I spoke with him and he said he feels really good," said Guardiola. "He’s not training with us yet and I don’t know when he will. I would say he's in the last phase before he trains with us again.

"I think (that could be soon), but I don’t know. This kind of injury… it’s better we don’t put pressure on him If the physio says next step, next step…no pressure. Recover, it's not necessary to take the wrong or bad decision and then you’re back (where you were) again. Kevin’s was a bad injury with surgery, so it’s step by step.”

Samuel Meade