Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that the injury sustained by goalkeeper Ederson during Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool "doesn't look good".
The Citizens entered the interval with a slender lead after John Stones met a smart corner kick from Kevin De Bruyne to net a 23rd-minute opener at the near post.
However, just 84 seconds after the restart, Ederson picked up an injury after bringing down Darwin Nunez inside the penalty area with a wild challenge following a poor backpass from Nathan Ake.
After receiving some treatment, the Brazilian was able to face Alexis Mac Allister's penalty kick, and although he dived the right way, he was unable to stop the Liverpool midfielder from restoring parity.
Ederson tried to play on, but he was in notable discomfort and eventually hobbled off in the 56th minute to be replaced by Stefan Ortega.
Asked about the severity of Ederson's injury in a post-match interview with beIN Sports, Guardiola said: "It doesn't look good."
Pressed on the goalkeeper's condition in his post-match press conference, the Citizens boss added: "I don't know right now [how serious it is]. Looks a little bit [not good]... but I don't know the diagnosis."
Ederson has been a mainstay in Guardiola's side since joining the club in 2017, and this season, he has conceded only 31 goals in 36 matches across all competitions, with eight of his 12 clean sheets kept in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old has emerged as a doubt for Man City's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Newcastle United next Saturday, while it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to represent Brazil in international friendlies against England on March 23 and Spain on March 26.
Ederson's replacement at Anfield, Ortega, impressed during his 34-minute cameo between the sticks, and pulled off a number of smart saves to ensure that the reigning Premier League champions held on for a point.
City's goalscorer Stones praised Ortega for his performance against Liverpool, telling mancity.com: "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 shoutout to Stefan for coming off the bench at such a difficult place and being ready, which everyone always is.
"Even [Mateo] Kovacic and Jeremy [Doku] who came on gave everything. That's the strength of our team. From back to front, whoever is on the bench, comes on and plays their part. That's why we've been so successful over the years."
Man City remain third in the Premier League table following their draw at second-placed Liverpool, with Guardiola's side sitting just one point behind both the Reds and leaders Arsenal, who top the table ahead of Jurgen Klopp's men on goal difference. body check tags ::
