Matheus Nunes declares himself fit for Manchester City’s Porto opener

Matheus Nunes says he is “100%” fit and ready to play when Manchester City begin their Champions League campaign against Porto at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday night.

The Portugal international has made only one brief appearance this season, playing 33 minutes across City’s opening four competitive matches after suffering an ankle problem before the game against Arsenal.

Nunes has now recovered from the injury and believes he can make an impact in a significant match against a club from his home country.

“I am good. I am 100% now,” Nunes said at Monday’s press conference in Portugal.

“My injury was my ankle the day before Arsenal. I had a tackle and it was sore for a while but now I am fine.”

The 28-year-old joined Manchester City as a midfielder in 2023 but has increasingly been deployed at right-back by Pep Guardiola. Nunes expects that to remain his principal position this season under new manager Enzo Maresca, although he is prepared to operate elsewhere when required.

“I think it will be the same, honestly. There will be moments where I can do other positions but I will play right-back mostly,” he said.

“It depends what the mister wants for each game. I can play wide, as a midfielder, closer to centre-backs – it depends what mister wants for the game.”

Nunes’ versatility could be important as City begin their European campaign, with the Portugal international comfortable moving between midfield and defensive roles. His previous limited involvement this season followed the ankle problem he sustained before the Arsenal fixture, but he now considers himself ready for selection.

The fixture carries additional personal significance for Nunes, who developed in Portuguese football with Ericeirense, Estoril and Sporting CP before moving abroad. A return to Portugal with Manchester City will therefore see him play in familiar surroundings, although he expects the hosts to provide a demanding test.

“They understood right away when we saw the meetings what we will face tomorrow,” he said.

“A very well prepared and excellent team and we have to be at our best level otherwise we will not get a good result.”

Nunes also backed Erling Haaland after the Norway striker was appointed Manchester City’s second captain for the new campaign. Haaland is part of the club’s leadership group alongside Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The forward has been given greater responsibility after becoming second captain, and Nunes believes that recognition is deserved because of Haaland’s importance, experience and contribution to the club.

“He is very important,” Nunes said.

“He is the second captain and one of the players longest here. He has won everything for the club.

“He is a figure, his voice is always heard and he is a top guy. I am happy his leadership has been growing because he deserves it.”

Manchester City will follow their Champions League opener with a Premier League derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.