Huge Arsenal boost as Man City star Ederson faces four weeks out injured – and set to miss crunch Etihad clash
EDERSON faces a battle to be fit for Manchester City’s crunch title clash with Arsenal at the end of the month.
The Brazilian keeper injured his thigh while conceding a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.
And initial tests on Monday have indicated he will be out of action for three to four weeks.
That means he will be touch and go to face the Gunners on Easter Sunday (31st) as well as fourth placed Aston Villa three days later.
But Pep Guardiola will at least hope to have him back for the Champions League quarter finals a week later.
The news is a blow for Ederson as it means he will not be able to play for Brazil in their friendly against England at Wembley on Saturday week.
With Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson missing through injury, the fixtures against the Three Lions and Spain the following week were a chance for him to stake a claim.
Guardiola has full faith in his second choice keeper Stefan Ortega who impressed after replacing Ederson at Anfield.
The German is keen to be a number one again and is expected to hold talks over his future at the Etihad in the summer.
Ortega impressed when he came off the bench on Sunday and drew the praise of John Stones for his performance.
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The England star said: “Incredible keeper. Not easy at all to come in at this stage and how he played, the saves that he pulled off, such intelligent saves
“A big shout out to Stefan for coming off the bench at such a difficult place and being ready, which everyone always is.”
Despite Ederson trying to continue the game after receiving treatment, he was only able to last six minutes.
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