Manchester City's title hopes have been dealt a significant blow as first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is now a major doubt for this weekend's pivotal Manchester derby. The Brazilian shot-stopper was forced off with a concerning leg injury during the dramatic 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
In a bizarre twist of fate, City's rivals Manchester United are facing an almost identical crisis between the posts. Andre Onana, who has been a mainstay for the Red Devils, is also racing against time to be fit after picking up a knock while on international duty with Cameroon.
Goalkeeping Dilemma for Guardiola
The sight of Ederson being substituted in the second half against Liverpool sent shockwaves through the Etihad. The injury, which appeared to be a heavy knock to his leg following a collision, leaves Pep Guardiola with a monumental selection headache.
Should the Brazilian number one fail to recover in time, veteran goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is poised to step into the spotlight. The German understudy is highly regarded within the club but would be thrust into one of the highest-pressure fixtures of the season.
Onana's International Setback
Across the city, Erik ten Hag's preparations have been similarly disrupted. Andre Onana's commitment to international duty has backfired after he sustained an injury during Cameroon's World Cup qualifier. The severity of the issue remains unclear, casting a shadow over his availability for the derby.
This potential absence would force Altay Bayindir into a starting role for what would be just his second appearance for the club, presenting a monumental challenge for the Turkish goalkeeper.
A Derby Defined by Absences
The potential absence of both first-choice goalkeepers adds an extraordinary layer of intrigue to an already explosive fixture. The derby, always a fiercely contested battle, could now be decided by which deputy keeper handles the occasion better.
With City locked in a relentless title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, and United fighting to salvage their season with a top-four finish, the stakes could not be higher. All eyes will be on the team sheets released an hour before kick-off at Old Trafford this Sunday.
