Man City outcast Matheus Nunes tells Pep Guardiola that he is the man to replace Rodri

Manchester City outcast Matheus Nunes has told Pep Guardiola that he is the man to replace injured Rodri.

City on Wednesday confirmed that Rodri faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage against Arsenal.

It leaves a significant hole in City's midfield which needs filling and Nunes, who has featured little since arriving from Wolves last summer but scored his first goal for the club against Watford on Tuesday, believes he is the man for the job.

"At Wolves I played more as a winger and last year here I played more as a 10 but when I played for Sporting I always played in the double pivot so I'm used to every position now," Nunes said.

"I try to help the team every time the coach puts me on the field but I know the other guys are all ready as well because we have so much quality in the team. We're going to have to fill the void because it's a massive loss but whoever is on the pitch is going to perform well.

"We have shown that if any player is out we have another one that is ready and has top quality to play. Last year it happened with Erling and Kevin and we still managed to win. This year, I know we will be the same."

Guardiola was asked about Nunes following the Carabao Cup third round win on Tuesday night.

The City boss said: "He has special qualities few players have, he’s unique. In the space, transitions, he is unbelievable. I’m really pleased for him and the goal.

"He will score more. Still he has things to read and understand, it’s not easy sometimes in players to adapt. I’m really pleased for him, because he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things."