Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola has finally dropped VERY SAD News regarding Matheus Nunes injury update this morning 💔😔
Manchester City’s shining star, Matheus Nunes, experienced a distressing moment when he suffered a finger injury during their relatively comfortable Champions League triumph over Copenhagen.
Following a 3-1 victory in the first leg held in Denmark, Pep Guardiola’s squad confidently progressed to the quarterfinals with another convincing win of the same scoreline, courtesy of goals by Erling Haaland, Manuel Akanji, and Julian Alvarez. Guardiola entrusted Nunes with his third start in City’s last four matches, a decision influenced by Nunes’ £53 million transfer from Wolves in the summer.
However, the 25-year-old midfielder encountered an unfortunate mishap midway through the second half, stumbling and landing awkwardly on his left hand. Writhing in agony on the ground, Nunes endured the pain of a twisted middle finger.
Micah Hamilton, the youthful prospect, swiftly replaced Nunes on the field. Despite his injury, Nunes remains hopeful of featuring in the upcoming highly anticipated clash against Liverpool on Sunday, albeit with his fingers securely bandaged. A victory in the Premier League fixture would propel City two points clear of Liverpool, while a defeat would see them fall four points behind.
The distressing images of Nunes’ injury circulated on social media platforms, prompting some users to express surprise at the severity of the injury. Former City goalkeeper Shay Given, commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, reflected on the contrasting attitudes towards injuries, citing his experience playing through a dislocated finger while acknowledging the changing perceptions.
Despite the setback, it was an overall successful night for the defending champions, who displayed commendable resilience in the first leg. The home side swiftly established a 2-0 lead within the first nine minutes of Wednesday’s encounter at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of goals from Akanji and Alvarez. However, a spirited counterattack led by Mohamed Elyounoussi, a former Southampton and Celtic winger, resulted in a consolation goal for the visitors.
Just before halftime, Haaland further extended City’s lead in the tie with his seventh goal in three games. Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports post-match, acknowledged the challenges posed by Copenhagen’s well-organized defensive setup, emphasizing the team’s focus on progressing in the tournament.
City now eagerly await the quarterfinal draw, scheduled for next Friday, March 15th, at 11 a.m. Guardiola reiterated the competitive nature of the tournament, highlighting potential matchups against European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The team’s consistent presence in the Champions League quarterfinals for seven consecutive years underscores their enduring quality and ambition in the competition.