Man City hit with big injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester City could be without number one goalkeeper Ederson when they welcome title rivals Arsenal to the Etihad at the end of March.

Mikel Arteta and company had their feet up on Sunday as Liverpool and City duelled at Anfield after his Gunners outfit downed Brentford late on Saturday evening to climb to the top of the Premier League table.

Supporters will rooting for a sharing of the spoils, and Ederson had a big role to play in City relinquishing their lead on Merseyside. John Stones gave the visitors a first half lead, but Liverpool equalised at the start of the second half after Ederson crashed into Darwin Nunez having been left short by a tame Nathan Ake backposs.

Alexis Mac Allister's converted spot drew the hosts level, and the lack of a third goal meant Arsenal remained at the Premier League's summit.

Ederson already a doubt for Arsenal clash with thigh injury

Ederson injured himself during the penalty sequence and was subsequently forced off after trying to continue. Stefan Ortega, who's proven himself to be more than competent as the Brazilian's deputy, replaced him between the sticks.

Pep Guardiola was pessimistic when asked about Ederson post-match, saying that his goalkeeper's injury "doesn't look good".

Reports have since emerged suggesting that the Brazilian international will miss the next three to four weeks as a result of the thigh injury he picked up at Anfield.

Arsenal travel to the Etihad after the international break in less than three weeks' time on 31 March.

It'll be a race against time for the Brazilian to be fit for that monster Premier League clash which could go a long way in determining who ends the season with the title. Nevertheless, Guardiola won't be too concerned by Ederson's potential absence given Ortega's competence.

The 31-year-old made a string of saves on Sunday to ensure City escaped Anfield with a point, and while his sample size is much smaller, Ortega is outperforming Ederson in the Premier League this season in terms of shot-stopping. His post-shot xG minus goals allowed (essentially the number of goals a goalkeeper has prevented) is higher than City's number one.

While he can't match Ederson's brilliance in possession, City should be in safe hands should Ortega have to start against the Gunners at the end of the month.

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