Why Ederson was absent from Manchester City training on Tuesday morning

Manchester City have been handed a fourth fitness concern this week after first-choice goalkeeper Ederson was absent from training on Tuesday morning.

The reigning European champions jet off to Belgrade in Serbia on Tuesday evening ahead of their final UEFA Champions League group stage clash of the 2023/24 campaign, with a contest against Crvena zvezda.

Osman Bukari’s first-half goal at the Etihad Stadium put Red Star on course for a shock result against Manchester City on matchday one of this season’s group stage journey, only for last season’s tournament winners to stage an emphatic second-half comeback.

Julian Alvarez’s brace complimented by a Rodri goal meant there would be no shock for Manchester City in their pursuit of retaining the crown for the very first time in the club’s history, and fine form was subsequently built upon that result.

Now, Pep Guardiola will have to meet again with Crvena zvezda but without a number of key first-team stars, potentially including Ederson – who was absent from training on Tuesday morning, with the reason behind his omission now revealed.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Joe Bray, Ederson was suffering from an illness on Tuesday as opposed to an injury concern – in what will likely leave Pep Guardiola breathing a sigh of relief ahead of a crunch run of games in multiple competitions.

Manchester City will return to England later this week as they gear up for their final Premier League match before embarking on the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia for the very first time in their history.

Crystal Palace are the visitors to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, whilst the Treble winners will take on either Urawa Red Diamonds or Club Leon in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup early next week.

A third place play-off match or the final of the competition will then follow, as Manchester City look to make it five trophies claimed in the 2023 calendar year following the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.