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

City confirmed on Wednesday morning that Rodi had suffered 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 straight Premier League title and second Champions League crown.

Pep Guardiola described Rodri as “irreplaceable” following City’s 2-1 victory over Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, a sentiment echoed by Nunes, who scored the hosts’ second goal of the night. The Portugal international, who City signed from Wolves for £47.25m last August, impressed in a fluid role in which he operated at times in Rodri’s No 6 position and he believes he can help make up for the absence of a player widely recognised as currently 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 10, but when I played for Sporting Lisbon [from 2019-22] 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,” added Nunes. “Last year it happened with Erling [Haaland] and Kevin [De Bruyne] and we still managed to win [the title]. This year, I know we will be the same.”

Guardiola described Rodri’s mood as “OK” on Tuesday night, adding: “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.”