Redaction Simon Brett with Harry Winters
Published on 2024-05-15 06:00:00
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided concerning updates on the fitness of duo Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson ahead of the final two matches of the campaign.
The pair were withdrawn during the second-half of Tuesday’s pivotal 0-2 win over Tottenham in north London due to injury concerns, with De Bruyne and Ederson both requiring treatment prior to being replaced in the 69th minute.
Manchester City took control of the Premier League title race ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend, as Erling Haaland’s second-half brace left the Sky Blues just one win away from a record-breaking fourth successive title.
The 23-year-old broke the deadlock minutes into the second-half after De Bruyne’s pinpoint cross, prior to securing a crucial three points from the penalty spot in the 91st minute.
Jeremy Doku, who replaced the injured De Bruyne, won a penalty after being fouled by Pedro Porro, with the Belgian having been played in brilliantly by Phil Foden’s long distance pass.
The victory came despite a number of second-half scares for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Stefan Ortega brilliantly denying both Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski, after being introduced for an emotional Ederson.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was forced off for the fourth time this season after being caught by Cristian Romero, meanwhile De Bruyne suffered an ankle injury following a nasty challenge by Pape Matar Sarr.
Both players could be at risk of missing Sunday’s defining clash against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, with an Emirates FA Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium also on the horizon.
Speaking post-match, Guardiola revealed: “Kevin (De Bruyne) had a kick to the ankle and couldn’t run properly. Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye. He could not see properly so the doctor said I should change.”
Ortega has made 18 appearances for Manchester City so far this season and the German could be be set to start Sunday’s Premier League crunch finale in the absence of Ederson, with the shot-stopper having started against both Arsenal and Real Madrid amid injury to the Brazilian keeper.
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