Fears have reportedly grown in the Manchester City camp that goalkeeper Ederson could miss a number of weeks through injury.
The City stopper had a mixed afternoon against Crystal Palace on Saturday, being at fault for the second Eagles goal scored by Chris Richards, before providing the assist for James McAtee's strike in the second period.
However, the day ultimately ended on a sour note, because the 31-year-old was forced off with a groin injury with around 20 minutes remaining.
Ederson is now a huge doubt for the weekend's trip to Goodison Park to face in-form Everton, in what will be a huge encounter for Man City's top-five prospects.
With six games to play, City are fifth, but just three points separate the five clubs between third and seventh, with any dropped points now set to be costly.
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Ederson sent for tests on groin injury
The City goalkeeper has been sent for tests on the injury sustained at the weekend, and the Daily Mail claim the club are fearful that Ederson is facing yet more time on the sidelines.
That is likely to see Stefan Ortega come into the side for that trip down the M62 to Everton at the weekend, but with a home fixture against Aston Villa coming up shortly after, and the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on the horizon too, it would be a big blow for manager Pep Guardiola.
Ederson's assist at the weekend was a record-breaking fourth of the season for a Premier League goalkeeper, and illustrates why he is the perfect fit for a Guardiola side.
However, persistent injury setbacks, interest from Saudi Arabia and being the wrong side of 30 could see City seek for alternatives over the summer, in what is set to be another huge overhaul of the playing squad.
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A season to forget for Ederson
Groin injuries have plagued Ederson for much of the campaign, forcing him to miss seven league matches across different stages of the season.
There have also been stages where understudy Ortega has been preferred, with Ederson being dropped from the side after City blew a 3-0 lead to draw with Feyenoord during the league phase of the Champions League.
The Brazilian also missed the home draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last month, two matches in early February, as well as the final few fixtures of 2024.
Another setback looks likely, and could sideline Ederson for the rest of the season, where City have six Premier League games to navigate, as well as a shot at the FA Cup.
Andrew Delaney
