Ederson major doubt for Liverpool title showdown as Manchester City subbed off injured at half-time
MANCHESTER CITY are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Ederson ahead of their title showdown at Liverpool on Sunday.
The Brazilian suffered a thigh injury and had to be replaced by Claudio Bravo at half-time as their team were pegged back by Atalanta.
Bravo then became the first sub keeper to be sent off in the history of the competition – meaning Kyle Walker ended the night in goal.
City will assess Ederson’s thigh problem tomorrow and Guardiola said: “It’s a muscular problem – not big,
“It was a risk he didn’t feel comfortable and that’s why we decided to make a substitution – but honestly right now I don’t know.
“We’ll see on Thursday, he’s strong and we’ll try with him but we won’t take a risk so we’ll see."
If Ederson can play he will and if not it will be Claudio. That’s all. I know him and why should I have doubts about him?
Pep Guardiola on Claudio Bravo
The thought of having Bravo in goal at Anfield will worry City fans given his Etihad career so far.
But Guardiola said he will go with his full backing, adding: “It’s what it is, if Ederson can play he will and if not it will be Claudio. That’s all.
“I know him and why should I have doubts about him? We’ve had incredible situations to overcome and we’ll have to do it now.”
The Chilean came off the bench to replace Ederson tonight, but ended up being sent off after referee Aleksey Kulbakov consulted VAR when he collided with Josip Ilicic.
It saw Kyle Walker don the keeper's jersey with Riyad Mahrez the unlucky player to be subbed off.
And the full-back ended up keeping a clean sheet in his new position.
JESUS' SHOCKING MISS
Gabriel Jesus wasted a Supreme chance to nail down their place in the last 16 with a shocking penalty miss.
It led to football fans on social media speculating that he was doing his best Diana Ross impression.
The music legend, of course, missed THAT penalty in the USA 1994 World Cup ceremony.
Guardiola's men were a goal up thanks to Raheem Sterling and cruising when the VAR handed them a spot-kick on just before half-time.
But the Brazilian forward scuffed his effort and it rolled well wide - evoking memories of Diana Ross' dismal attempt at the 1994 World Cup opening ceremony.