“He is going to play” – Pep Guardiola makes major Luton Town selection decision amid Manchester City fitness concerns

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ederson will return to the starting side for Saturday’s Premier League match against Luton Town.

The Sky Blues can move to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Luton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with just one point continuing to separate Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table.

Manchester City extended their current unbeaten run in all competitions to 26 games with an enthralling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in midweek, and also beat Crystal Palace 2-4 last Saturday in the Premier League.

A landmark brace from Kevin De Bruyne propelled Manchester City to victory in south London, meanwhile stunning second-half goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol helped Pep Guardiola’s side to a draw in Madrid.

Erling Haaland scored five goals during the Blues’ previous meeting with Luton Town in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round, and Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva were on the scoresheet during a 1-2 win at Kenilworth Road in the reverse Premier League meeting.

A number of first-team players could be absent from the starting side for Saturday’s meeting at the Etihad Stadium, with Real Madrid visiting east Manchester in the second-leg on Wednesday evening.

Guardiola has revealed that Ederson will return for Manchester City this weekend however, with the Brazilian goalkeeper having been absent since a 1-1 draw at Anfield due to a muscular injury.

Stefan Ortega has started recent Premier League games and the first-leg draw at the Santiago Bernabéu in midweek, but is set to return to the bench this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League match, Guardiola said: “Ederson is the first choice. He was ready to play against Real Madrid and is ready to play tomorrow. He is going to play the next game and we’ll take the decision for many reasons.”

The return of Ederson is a welcome boost to Guardiola, who is currently contending with absence of both Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake, as well as concerns over the fitness of midfielder Rodri.