The Portuguese international has only played in one of our first four competitive fixtures this term – getting 33 minutes as second-half substitute in our Premier League victory over Bournemouth.
However, he now says he’s raring to go having recovered from an ankle issue.
“I am good. I am 100% now,” he said in Monday’s press conference in Portugal.
“[My injury] was my ankle the day before Arsenal. I had a tackle and it was sore for a while but now I am fine.”
Despite signing as a midfielder in 2023, Nunes has become a mainstay in City’s side at right-back in recent seasons under Pep Guardiola.
The 28-year-old says he expects to play a similar role this term too with Enzo Maresca.
“I think it will be the same, honestly. There will be moments where I can do other positions but I will play right-back mostly.
“Depends what mister wants for each game. I can play wide, as a midfielder, closer to centre backs - it depends what mister wants for the game.”
Maresca has already named his leadership group for the season, with Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland, Marc Guéhi and Gianluigi Donnarumma chosen to lead the squad.
Asked about Haaland in particular, Nunes lit up when he considered the No.9’s influence.
“He is very important,” he said.
“He is the second captain and one of the players longest here - he has won everything for the club.
“He is a figure, his voice is always heard and he is a top guy. I am happy his leadership has been growing because he deserves it.”
Nunes knows more about Porto than most, having progressed through Portuguese football with Ericeirense, Estoril and Sporting CP.
He insisted that the whole squad are well aware of the challenge we’ll face at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday evening.
“They understood right away when we saw the meetings what we will face tomorrow,” he said.
“A very well prepared and excellent team and we have to be in our best level otherwise we will not get a good result.”
