Maresca confirms Ndiaye cramp scare and Nunes return timeline after City's Villa defeat

Enzo Maresca has allayed fears over Iliman Ndiaye following Manchester City’s Premier League defeat at Aston Villa, confirming the winger was withdrawn due to cramp rather than a structural injury, while Matheus Nunes is in contention to return for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton at the Etihad.

Ndiaye had been one of City’s brighter performers at Villa Park, delivering the cross that allowed Erling Haaland to head home an equaliser early in the second half. His substitution shortly afterwards prompted concern, but Maresca was quick to reassure. “He’s ok, he had cramp, he was tired but he was very good between the first half and the second half,” the City manager said.

The 18-year-old Ryan McAidoo was introduced to replace Ndiaye as City searched for a winner, underlining the squad depth Maresca has been forced to lean on during a congested run of fixtures.

Nunes had missed a second consecutive game with a knock sustained in the victory over Ipswich the previous week, and his absence was felt alongside that of Antoine Semenyo, who remains sidelined for approximately two months. With both players unavailable, Abdukodir Khusanov started at right-back before Rico Lewis took over at the interval following a double substitution at half-time.

Maresca struck an optimistic note on Nunes’s fitness ahead of a week that includes back-to-back home games. “Matheus could be available for the next game,” he confirmed, with City set to host Brighton in both cup and league at the Etihad.

The updates offer some relief for a City side navigating a demanding schedule with limited options in wide and defensive positions, though Semenyo’s extended absence continues to restrict Maresca’s attacking choices on the flank.