Pep Guardiola says key Man City player will miss Everton clash

Manchester City will be without Ederson for their Premier League clash against Everton, with fears the Brazilian goalkeeper could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old was forced off in last week’s dramatic comeback win over Crystal Palace, shortly after recording his fourth assist of the season.

Initial fears suggest he could be absent for a significant portion of City’s final seven fixtures.

Currently sitting fifth in the league, Man City are in a fierce battle for Champions League qualification, with just three points separating fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and seventh-placed Aston Villa.

Newcastle, in sixth, are only two points ahead of Forest.

Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Ederson will not travel with the team to Everton and was unable to provide a timeline for his return.

Man City will next face Villa, a direct competitor for a top-five spot, on Tuesday, followed by a crucial FA Cup semi-final against Forest at Wembley next weekend.

“He is not available for tomorrow. I don’t know [longer term]. But for that game is not ready,” he said.

On a positive note, both Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji have returned to training.

Foden missed the victory over Crystal Palace due to a knock, while Akanji, who has been sidelined since February, is on track to make his return this month.

Guardiola said: “Phil came back on Thursday and today a training session since the action from Old Trafford.

“Manu makes two or three training sessions and he’s moving really well. We’ll see today.”

Erling Haaland is also intensifying his recovery after injuring his ankle three weeks ago. He has shared clips of his gym sessions at the City Football Academy, appearing in good spirits.

However, Guardiola confirmed that Haaland will still ‘not be ready’ for the upcoming games. Meanwhile, John Stones and Nathan Aké are ‘getting better’ but have yet to return to training.