A test of fire awaits the present Premier League winners Manchester City. If there was one issue troubling Pep Guardiola’s team this year, it has been injuries. Even though Guardiola is known for rotating players, he doesn’t seem to fiddle much with the core. But on this occasion, he will have to adjust to a very uncomfortable change with their #1, Ederson, injured apart from their left winger, Jack Grealish. So how problematic are their issues?
The Sky Blues will take a rest from the Premier League for the moment as they head to the FA Cup clash on Saturday against Newcastle United. However, the problem seems to extend even after the Premier League resumes, as reports suggest that the Brazilian goalkeeper could not be available for the game against Arsenal. According to senior journalist Jack Gaughan, Ederson is expected to be out for three to four weeks due to a thigh injury sustained in the high-intensity Liverpool clash at Anfield.
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Ederson is a major doubt for Man City’s game against Arsenal at the end of the month. Set for 3-4 weeks out with a thigh injury.
— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) March 11, 2024
Ederson suffered an injury just ninety seconds into the second half. Clashing with the physically strong Darwin Nunez, the 30-year-old conceded a penalty after taking down the Uruguayan striker. Rubbing salt to the wound, the player had to walk off after a few minutes, going to the ground once again with a reported thigh issue. Reportedly, he will also miss the international friendlies versus England and Spain, as he has already started his road to recovery.
Meanwhile, the issue with Jack Grealish also doesn’t change. After catching a groin injury initially in February against FC Copenhagen, the English international saw a relapse a couple of weeks ago against Luton Town. Moreover, the attacker could be back after the International break against Arsenal. Yet, it is the former Benfica player’s potential absence that could hurt Pep Guardiola.
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Setback for Pep Guardiola in a tough title race
Manchester City may have done themselves a favor by depriving Liverpool two points at Anfield but the problem doesn’t stop there. Ederson’s injury is an enormous blow to Pep Guardiola as PL topper Arsenal has been on an attacking rampage. Scoring 70 goals in the season, 33 of them have come just this year. Hence, to stop such attacks, the primary goalkeeper becomes crucial. Moreover, City has had a pretty average defensive spell in 2023/24 conceding 28 in 28, which is the most conceded by them in their last three seasons.
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On the other hand, the Gunners have drawn against City in their last tie, but the fixture at Etihad will be an advantage for the hosts. However, the club in blue may look up to Stefan Ortega, who will take the field in case Ederson does not return. Ultimately, the rest of the season can prove troublesome for the treble winners, but will they come out triumphant in the Premier League? Let us know in the comments.