Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is dealing with another selection headache ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa. First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is a doubt due to a fitness concern, leaving the Spanish coach unsure of his options in goal.
City heads to Villa Park under immense pressure, sitting 5th in the table and trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points. The champions lost 2-1 to Manchester United in their last match, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo sealing their fate.
Guardiola’s men are desperate for a win to reignite their campaign, but injuries and form issues continue to pile up.
If Ederson is ruled out, backup keeper Stefan Ortega Moreno is expected to step in. Ortega has previously handled high-pressure games well and may be trusted again this weekend.
RECALL:
Manchester City’s season has been plagued by injuries, especially in defense. Key defender Ruben Dias is sidelined for up to a month with a muscular injury. The team has also been dealing with long-term absences of Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Rodri.
The only positive news for City is that Stones and Manuel Akanji have returned to training and could play against Villa. Rico Lewis is also available for selection after serving a suspension.
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts during his pre-match press conference:
“Ederson, I don’t know if he will be ready for tomorrow (Saturday), and we have to continue. It’s the only thing we have to do.”
On Ruben Dias’ injury, Guardiola said:
“Three, four weeks he will be out, yeah. Muscular. Against (Manchester) United, he felt something but stayed on the pitch. Now he’s injured.”
CITATIONS:
This report is based on the information from:
Pep Guardiola’s comments during the pre-match press conference.
Manchester City’s official injury updates.
KEEP IN MIND:
City’s defensive woes and goalkeeping uncertainty will make their visit to Villa Park even more challenging. Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have been strong at home this season, and City’s recent form—only one win in their last 11 games—doesn’t inspire confidence.
Guardiola must find a way to steady his team and claim three points, or the pressure on the champions could increase dramatically. This game may define their season’s trajectory.
