Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of Manchester City duo Ederson and Bernardo Silva.
Ederson withdrew from the Brazil national team squad on Friday evening and was subsequently left out of Man City’s matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper had previously started City’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend and was arguably at fault for the 83rd-minute goal scored at his near post by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Discussing Ederson’s absence at his post-match press conference following Man City’s draw with Brighton, Guardiola said: “[It is] something abdominal. He had niggles. At Nottingham Forest he had a problem and that’s why it happened.”
Asked if the Brazilian will be back after the international break, Guardiola simply replied: “I hope so.”
Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva began as a substitute in the draw with Brighton before coming on to replace Savinho in the 58th minute.
City’s No.20, who has been called up to the Portugal squad this month, made a lively introduction, but he was taken off just 18 minutes after coming on after picking up an unspecified knock.
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Guardiola delivers injury update on Bernardo Silva
There appeared to be initial confusion between Bernardo and Guardiola as to why the playmaker was being replaced, but the City boss has since revealed that the decision was simply a precautionary one.
“He could not move properly. I need to speak with him,” said the Catalan. “I was watching him for four, five minutes and he could not make two steps properly, so in that moment I decided not to take a risk.”
Guardiola added. “It helps to not get injuries. The players are training well, and they are committed to do it. They are not used to [chasing Champions League qualification] but it’s fine.
“We lost at Nottingham Forest and they played well. Our spirit today was much better and we were aggressive.
“Brighton have won a lot of games in a row. We won the balls and second balls, and we make quick transitions. The goals were good and Savinho had chances.
“I have moments I can doubt, but I find the right way to be positive. Bernardo today, and Ederson is injured again. Things happen.”
Man City dropping two points at home to Brighton means they remain fifth in the Premier League table, one point behind Chelsea in fourth and two points ahead of the Seagulls who remain in seventh spot.
The Citizens will hope to have both Ederson and Bernardo fit and available for their first match after the international break away against Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on March 30.
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