Manchester City fans were left puzzled as star goalkeeper Ederson was missing from the matchday squad for their highly anticipated clash against Arsenal.
The Brazilian shot-stopper, who played a full 90 minutes in City’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge earlier in the week, was nowhere to be seen on the team sheet.
In his place, Stefan Ortega was named as the starting goalkeeper, with veteran Scott Carson taking a spot on the bench.
Injury Concerns for Guardiola
Ederson’s absence has sparked speculation about a potential injury, especially considering the challenges Pep Guardiola has faced with squad fitness throughout the season.
The Brazilian international has already had to battle injury setbacks this campaign, making 23 appearances across all competitions but struggling with consistency due to fitness issues.
With City still fighting on multiple fronts, any injury to their first-choice keeper would be a significant blow.
City’s Lineup Adjustments
With Ederson missing, Guardiola has had to make several adjustments to his squad.
The defensive line sees John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol forming the backline, with the Croatian potentially slotting in at left-back due to Matheus Nunes’ inclusion in the midfield.
Bernardo Silva takes the captain’s armband, lining up alongside Mateo Kovacic, while the attack is spearheaded by Phil Foden, Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Erling Haaland.
Arsenal’s Fitness Boost
Meanwhile, Arsenal have had their own concerns in goal but will be relieved to see David Raya fit to start after missing their Champions League trip to Girona.
The Gunners also welcome back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, and William Saliba in defense, while Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz return to the starting XI after playing limited minutes in midweek.
A Rivalry That Continues to Intensify
This matchup marks another chapter in what has become a fiery rivalry between Guardiola’s City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Their previous encounters have been packed with controversy and drama.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Leandro Trossard saw a second yellow card for time-wasting, leaving Arsenal to defend with 10 men for an entire half before John Stones scored a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer.
Last season’s clash was equally eventful, with Mateo Kovacic escaping a red card for a reckless tackle on Declan Rice.
More recently, Arsenal found themselves on the wrong end of another controversial decision when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against Wolves—a call that was later overturned on appeal.
The Gunners were even charged by the FA for failing to control their players after their protests against referee Michael Oliver’s decision.
High Stakes at the Emirates
As City travel to the Emirates, both teams will be looking for a crucial victory in their title chase.
Arsenal, eager to put past refereeing controversies behind them, will want to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the reigning champions.
On the other hand, Guardiola’s men will have to navigate this tough fixture without their number one goalkeeper, a challenge that could make all the difference in an already tightly contested battle at the top of the Premier League table.