Matheus Nunes has acknowledged that Rodri's extended absence due to a severe knee injury is a 'huge setback' for Manchester City but is confident he can step in as a replacement for the midfielder. City announced on Wednesday that Rodri had sustained ligament damage to his right knee during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The 28-year-old has returned to his home country, Spain, for further consultation after undergoing preliminary tests in Manchester. There is a possibility that he may miss the rest of the season, which would be a substantial blow to City's quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title and a second Champions League victory.
Pep Guardiola referred to Rodri as 'irreplaceable' following City's 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, a view shared by Nunes, who scored the second goal for the hosts. The Portugal international, who joined City from Wolves for £47.25m last August, excelled in a versatile role, occasionally filling in Rodri's No 6 position, and he is confident he can compensate for the loss of a player widely regarded as the best in his position globally.
'We'll need to cover the gap because it's a significant loss, but whoever is on the pitch will perform well,' Nunes stated. 'At Wolves, I played more as a winger, and last year here, I played more as a 10, but when I was at Sporting Lisbon [from 2019-22], I always played in the double pivot, so I'm accustomed to every position now.'
'I try to assist the team every time the coach puts me on the field, but I know the other guys are also prepared because we have so much talent in the team,' he added. 'We've demonstrated that if any player is unavailable, we have another who is ready and possesses 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, adding: 'He is strong, sad, of course, and waiting for the final decision on 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.'
