Ederson injury latest: Pep Guardiola drops Stefan Ortega hint before Man City face Crystal Palace | Football

Ederson was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on March 10 following a collision with Darwin Nunez and has missed City’s last three fixtures.

Ortega has impressed in Ederson’s absence and City are keen for the 31-year-old to extend his current contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Guardiola has confirmed that Ederson is closing in on a return ahead of City’s trip to Selhurst Park for Saturday’s early kick-off.

However, the City manager has suggested that Ortega could keep his place in the side.

When asked if Ortega’s form makes his decision over Ederson’s return more difficult, Guardiola said: ‘Yes, Stefan is playing really good, so we have to think about it as well.

‘I’ll speak with Xavier [Mancisidor, City’s goalkeeping coach], maybe we give a little more time, maybe not, we’ll see tonight and tomorrow. But, we have the guarantee.

‘Of course, Scott [Carson] is an important third keeper and important for many reasons.

‘But Eddie and Stefen… we are so safe because both are exceptional keepers, exceptional.’

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