Pep Guardiola reveals initial diagnosis on Ederson injury that left him ‘not walking well’

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered an initial diagnosis on Ederson’s injury sustained in the opening moments of their 2-3 victory against Newcastle.

The Brazil international was replaced inside the opening 10 minutes at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, with back-up option Stefan Ortega Moreno taking his place for the remainder of a contest that offered all for onlookers.

Manchester City were forced to come from behind in the game having trailed Eddie Howe’s side 2-1 at the half-time interval, with a Kevin De Bruyne inspired comeback ensuring that the reigning Premier League champions would not falter on the road.

The Belgian’s goal and assist for Oscar Bobb’s winning effort put a shine on an evening’s work that characterised City’s Champion-winning credentials, and ensured that there would be a positive ending despite the initial dampener as a result of Ederson’s injury.

Speaking after the contest during his post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola issued a sign of relief to reports concerning the Brazilian’s injury problem, suggesting that he could return to action immediately following the Premier League’s winter break.

“I haven’t spoken with the doctors,” Guardiola clarified.

“He doesn’t walk well, like he left the pitch. But it’s just a knock.

“He’ll be fine because we have a break for 10 days now. If there is something damaged, the doctors will tell me, but I didn’t speak with them.”

Manchester City return from the winter break with an Emirates FA Cup fourth round encounter against Tottenham Hotspur in the capital, as they look to build on a convincing 5-0 third round win over Championship strugglers Huddersfield Town.

The FA Cup presents Pep Guardiola and his players with one of three further opportunities to claim silverware this season, building on a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup success in the first-half of the 2023/24 season.

Irrespective of Ederson’s fitness upon Manchester City’s return from their Abu Dhabi training camp across the next fortnight, Stefan Ortega Moreno is likely to assume duties between the posts in the Club’s backline against Ange Postecoglou’s side.