- Matheus Nunes missed Portugal’s friendly against Chile
- Roberto Martínez said the Man City player was not ready to train
- His versatility makes his condition important for club and country
Matheus Nunes has handed Portugal and Man City a fitness concern ahead of the World Cup after missing the national side’s latest friendly.
After arriving from Wolves as a midfielder, Nunes has increasingly been used in a different role for City. The positional shift made him an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s squad last season.
His ability to operate in midfield and at right-back gives City extra flexibility across the season. Likewise, Portugal could also benefit from that profile at the World Cup.
Roberto Martinez has several high-profile names in his squad, but Nunes offers a different blend of versatility and tactical coverage.
However, with Portugal still working through their final friendly fixtures, the Man City man’s latest situation has become one to monitor.
Matheus Nunes misses Portugal friendly
Speaking before Portugal’s friendly against Chile, Martinez confirmed that Nunes was not ready to return to training.
The Portugal boss said that Nunes was still not in a condition to train and would therefore be left out of the matchday list.
The Seleção boss also made it clear that they do not want to take unnecessary risks with the Man City player.
Likewise, Martinez hopes that Nunes will be ready for the second friendly against Nigeria. Portugal face Nigeria before heading into their World Cup campaign, giving Nunes limited time to prove his readiness.
World Cup timing raises concern for Man City
After initially arriving at the Etihad as a midfielder, the Portuguese international became one of the club’s main right-back options.
Following Kyle Walker’s departure, the Sky Blues failed to fill the gap left by the English full-back. Nevertheless, Nunes stepped in and has temporarily plugged the hole.
Likewise, his disruption before the World Cup raises concerns for Man City. While the situation seems to be a short-term interruption, the Citizens will be hoping that he returns to the Etihad fit for the upcoming season.
Nunes’ right-back shift changed his City status
There were still questions over Nunes’ long-term role at the Etihad before he started playing on the right flank.
The FA Cup winners already had several midfield options, and Nunes had not fully established himself in his natural position.
However, City might need him in midfield again following Bernardo Silva’s departure. Likewise, the Carabao Cup winners are trying to find a right-back this summer to free up Nunes for a midfield role.
