Ederson doubtful for City’s Liverpool trip

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is a doubt for Sunday’s clash at Liverpool after suffering a thigh injury in Wednesday’s Champions League C tie at Atalanta. The Brazilian was replaced at half-time at the San Siro as a precaution after feeling uncomfortable in the closing stages of the first period of the 1-1 draw.
To compound matters his obvious replacement for the top-of-the-table Premier League encounter at Anfield, Claudio Bravo, would hardly go into the game with confidence after being sent off late on in Milan.
Asked about Ederson’s injury, Guardiola said: “It’s a muscular problem, not big, but it was a risk. He didn’t feel comfortable and that’s why we decided to make a substitution. “Honestly, right now, I don’t know (how bad it is). He’s strong and we’ll try with him, but we won’t take a risk. We’ll see on Thursday.”
Bravo was sent off for bringing down Josip Ilicic as Atalanta, who had previously not registered a point in Group C, chased a surprise late winner.
Guardiola has every confidence Bravo would be able to perform at Anfield if required.
City are already likely to be without playmaker David Silva, who missed the trip to Italy with a muscular problem.
In terms of Europe, the draw meant City missed their first chance secure qualification for the last 16.
Raheem Sterling struck early but Gabriel Jesus missed a penalty in a frantic end to the first half in which City were awarded another spot-kick, only for the VAR to change it to a free-kick.
City were stung when Chelsea loanee Mario Pasalic levelled with a bullet header and in the end they were grateful to hang on for a draw with defender Kyle Walker in goal.
Guardiola was impressed with the way City played in the first half but bemoaned the fact they missed some good chances to put the game to bed.
However, the Catalan coach claims the result was a “success” given the injuries and red-card difficulties his side faced.