Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is reportedly facing up to four weeks out after sustaining an injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Brazilian was forced off in the second half after fouling Reds striker Darwin Nunez with a late challenge inside the penalty area.
After receiving treatment, Ederson stood between the sticks as Alexis Mac Allister scored the resulting spot kick to cancel out John Stones's first-half opener.
Ederson initially tried to play on, but he was in notable discomfort and eventually limped off in the 56th minute to be replaced by Stefan Ortega.
After the match, Man City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that he was unaware of the severity of Ederson's injury, but admitted that it "doesn't look good".
Ederson has since undergone examinations and according to multiple reports, including BBC Sport, the goalkeeper will be sidelined for up to four weeks with a muscle injury.
The 30-year-old will therefore miss Man City's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Ederson has also emerged as a major doubt for the Citizens' next Premier League home game against title rivals and current league leaders Arsenal on March 31.
A top-flight fixture at home against top-four hopefuls Aston Villa follows on April 3, before Man City travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace three days later.
Furthermore, Man City are said to have informed the Brazilian FA that the shot-stopper has started his rehabilitation process and will be unavailable for international duty.
Brazil are scheduled to face England in a friendly fixture at Wembley Stadium on March 23, before travelling to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Spain three days later.
The absence of Ederson is set to see Ortega deputise between the sticks, and after making a 34-minute cameo appearance at Anfield last weekend, the German has insisted that he is 'always ready' to be called upon when needed.
Speaking to mancity.com, Ortega said: "If you are on the bench, you always think about what can happen if you go on the pitch.
"[Against Liverpool] was my time with Eddie's injury. I was ready like always. It was a special moment to come on in this big game and the whole world watching. It was a nice feeling."
"I just do my job," Ortega added. "I do it every day in training and it was about doing the same. I enjoyed every second. It's nothing new what came - I was ready and prepared."
Man City's only other injury concern is with attacker Jack Grealish, who has missed the last three games with a groin problem and is not expected to return until after the international break. body check tags ::
