Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson is set to remain on the sidelines for a month after sustaining an injury during a Premier League match against Liverpool on March 10 at Anfield.
The Brazilian picked up the injury as he walked out of his six-yard zone to get the ball but ended up fouling Darwin Nunez, which resulted in a penalty for Liverpool.
Even though he stayed on the pitch for the penalty which was eventually converted by Alexis Mac Allister, he was later substituted with Stefan Ortega coming in as the Brazilian couldn’t continue due to pain in his thigh.
As he is set to face one month on the sidelines, Ederson will miss crucial matches including an FA Cup match against Newcastle United and then a potential title decider against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on March 31.
If everything goes according to the plan, Ederson will be back on the field for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, which is expected to be played on April 9th or 10th.
Ortega will take the command of Man City’s box during Ederson’s injury. Every match is of utmost importance and Pep Guardiola wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance of creating history by becoming the first manager to win four Premier League titles in a row.
Ortega talked after the Liverpool match stating that he was waiting for a chance like this and would do everything to make the most of it.
"(It) was my time with Eddie's injury. I was ready like always," said Ortega. "It was a special moment to come on in this big game and the whole world watching. It was a nice feeling.
"I enjoyed every second. It's nothing new what came - I was ready and prepared."
Remember, Arsenal are on top of the Premier League table with 64 points from 28 matches, they are followed by Liverpool who have the same points but sit on the second position due to an inferior goal difference. While Man City is at third with 63 points.