Matheus Nunes could return to the Manchester City squad as early as Wednesday, when the team faces Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the Etihad. The Portugal international missed a second consecutive game with a knock picked up in the victory over Ipswich last week.
Nunes and Antoine Semenyo were the two players absent from City's squad with injury at Villa Park, and their absence was noticeable. Abdukodir Khusanov started at right-back before Rico Lewis took over at half-time following a double substitution.
Maresca optimistic on Nunes
Asked about the extent of Nunes's injury, Maresca was optimistic about when his defender could return. "Matheus could be available for the next game," he said, as City prepare to host Brighton in both the Carabao Cup and Premier League next week.
Jeremy Doku and Iliman Ndiaye were on the wings with Semenyo sidelined for two months, and Ndiaye capped a lively performance by standing up a cross for Erling Haaland to head home the equaliser early in the second half. He was taken off shortly afterwards, with 18-year-old Ryan McAidoo coming on to try to replicate his impact.
Ndiaye injury concern played down
Maresca played down injury concerns with Ndiaye as City look to avoid more issues in a busy schedule. "He's ok, he had cramp, he was tired but he was very good between the first half and the second half," added the Blues boss.
