Matheus Nunes has admitted that Rodri’s prolonged absence with a serious knee injury is a “massive loss” to Manchester City, but he believes he can deputise for the midfielder.

City confirmed on Wednesday morning that Rodri had sustained ligament damage to his right knee during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The 28-year-old has travelled to his native Spain for specialist consultation having undergone initial tests in Manchester. It is possible he will miss the remainder of the season, representing a significant blow for City in their pursuit of a fifth successive Premier League title and second Champions League crown.

Following City’s 2-1 victory against Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola described Rodri as “irreplaceable” – a sentiment echoed by Nunes, who scored the hosts’ second goal of the night. The Portugal international, who signed with City from Wolves for £47.25m last August, impressed in a fluid role in which he operated at times in Rodri’s No 6 position. He believes he can help to make up for the absence of a player widely recognised to be the best at what he does in world football.

“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,” Nunes said. “At Wolves [his last club] I played more as a winger and last year here I played more as a No 10, but when I played for Sporting [from 2019 to 2022] I always played in the double pivot so I’m used to every position now. 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 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 [Haaland] and Kevin [De Bruyne] and we still managed to win. This year, I know we will be the same.”

Guardiola described Rodri’s mood as “OK” on Tuesday night, saying: “He is strong; sad, of course, and waiting for the final decision of what he has to do. We don’t want it [the injury], but we will have a good season. I expect a lot from my players and I have a duty to find a solution even if Rodri is irreplaceable.”