Maresca says Matheus Nunes is fit for Coventry as players ask about Enzo Fernandez

Matheus Nunes will return to the Manchester City squad for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Coventry City, while Enzo Fernandez is also available for selection, Enzo Maresca has confirmed.

Manchester City host Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the Premier League, with Maresca’s side looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.

“Matsheus Nunes has returned to training and will be included in the squad, while Jeremy Doku is still unavailable,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.

The Manchester City manager also confirmed that Enzo Fernandez is ready to play.

“Enzo Fernandez is ready to take part in the match,” he said.

Maresca praised the midfielder’s winning mentality, pointing to his success on the international and club stages.

“He knows how to win. He has won the World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, and most importantly, he is a player who knows the way to victory,” Maresca added.

The manager also revealed that several Manchester City players had asked him whether Fernandez would be joining the team.

“I can confirm to you that during the past four or five days, there were four or five players in the squad asking me whether he was coming or not, because they wanted him to be with us,” said Maresca.

Asked whether Fernandez could be given the captain’s armband, Maresca ruled out that possibility and named the players currently holding leadership responsibility.

“No. The captains are Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma,” he said.

Maresca also offered praise for Frank Lampard, saying the former manager had done an excellent job during the previous campaign and would continue to do so this season.

“For me, Frank Lampard did a great job last season, and he will continue this great work this season as well,” Maresca said.

Manchester City have won both of their matches since Maresca took charge. They began the campaign with a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth before beating Crystal Palace 4-1 in the second round.

The match against Coventry represents their third league fixture of the season and will be played at home on Saturday.

Manchester City finished last season in second place, seven points behind champions Arsenal. Their opening victories have given Maresca a strong start, although Doku remains absent ahead of the Coventry game.

The availability of Nunes and Fernandez provides further options for Maresca as he prepares his team for the next Premier League fixture, while his comments underline the interest within the squad in having Fernandez involved.