Midfield boost for the Blues
Matheus Nunes is back in the frame for Manchester City this weekend, with Enzo Maresca confirming the midfielder will be in the squad to face Coventry City.
The Portuguese international missed last Friday's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace as he continued his recovery from an injury picked up during the warm-up before the FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal in Cardiff. Jeremy Doku was also absent for that match with a calf problem, and he remains sidelined.
“Jeremy [Doku] is still out. Matheus [Nunes] is back, and he will be with us tomorrow. Enzo [Fernández] is ready,” Maresca said.
That last name is the one that will interest supporters most. Enzo Fernández has completed his move from Chelsea and is ready to go, having played just 25 minutes of football this season for his former club. He was one of three arrivals in the closing stages of the summer window, along with Allan and Iliman Ndiaye.
Maresca made no secret of his relief that the business is done. “I’m very, very happy! Very happy for the effort from the ownership, Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], Hugo [Viana]. Very happy! In the last days, Iliman [Ndiaye] and Enzo [Fernandez] arrived, and now the squad is complete, it’s finished, and now it’s time to work,” he said.
The timing is handy. City, who hold both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, face a congested run of games between now and the first international break of the season. Having players fit and ready to go is huge for the cup holders.
Nunes' return gives Maresca another option in midfield, while Fernández, assuming he is fit enough, adds further depth. Doku's absence is a concern, but the squad is looking healthier than it did a week ago.