Manchester City have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their colossal Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield after Pep Guardiola confirmed Ederson will miss the game through injury.
The Brazilian was withdrawn at half-time during City's 1-1 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday with a muscular problem, with Chilean stopper Claudio Bravo coming on in his stead for the clash at the
Bravo failed to cover himself in glory in his rare appearance for Guardiola's men in that clash, earning himself a red card for a sliding tackle on Josip Ilicic outside the box. Kyle Walker deputised in goal as a result.
PEP 💬 @edersonmoraes93 is not able to play. I don’t know how long he will be out for. Sunday, he cannot play@C1audioBravo can do it too. He is an exceptional keeper - won a lot of international games with Chile. I have no doubts.https://t.co/JwUJsrUSDW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 8, 2019
But he will be between the sticks again come Sunday, with Guardiola confirming in his pre-match press conference, quoted by the club's official website, that he has every faith in Bravo's ability.
“Ederson is not able to play. I don’t know how long he will be out for, but Sunday, he cannot play.
“We have another keeper. Claudio Bravo and he can do it, too. I have every confidence in him. We won the Carabao Cup thanks to Claudio. He is an exceptional keeper and has won a lot of international games and tournaments with Chile. I have no doubts.”
Ederson has been a key figure for Pep Guardiola's side since joining the club from Benfica in 2017,
He had also started every league and European game for City so far this season as the champions bid for a maiden Champions League crown, while they also have their sights set becoming only the second club in Premier League history to win the league title three seasons in a row.
Sunday's pivotal encounter bears extra significance after the two side's respective starts to the season. City have already lost twice this campaign in the league, while Liverpool remain unbeaten, dropping only two points as they command a six-point lead over their nearest challengers.
Source : 90min