Football News

Manchester City have suffered a major blow in their title run-in after Ederson was forced off injured in their win against Nottingham Forest.

At the City Ground on Sunday the Brazilian made his 40th start of the campaign in all competitions but was replaced at half-time by Stefan Ortega.

Goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland were enough for the champions to claim all the three points against Nuno Espirito Santo's side but Ederson's injury at such a crucial juncture in the title race no doubt dampened celebrations.

While it was initially thought the switch was little more than a precautionary measure, Pep Guardiola offered a worrying prognosis on his first-choice goalkeeper's condition post-match.

'It doesn't look good,' The Spaniard admitted. 'We will see tomorrow with the doctor.'

City supporters' fears will no doubt only have been exacerbated post-match as Ederson

The former Benfica star has only recently recovered from a thigh injury that saw him forced off early in the second half during the club's 1-1 draw with Liverpool last month.

The setback caused Ederson to miss their stalemate with Arsenal at the Emirates at the end of March, and the club's Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash with Real Madrid.

In his absence, Ortega will likely deputise between the sticks, having already made 17 appearances in all competitions as the club's regular cup goalkeeper this season.

Speaking on punditry following City's win on Sunday, Micah Richards insistsed Ortega is more than capable of filling in when called upon.

'I think he's been outstanding.' The defender-turned-pundit said on Sky Sports.

'When Ederson was injured, come in, he didn't let the team down, so I wouldn't be worried about that.

'Maybe just his playing out

Micah Richards Pep Guardiola Stefan Ortega Nottingham Forest