Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that first-choice goalkeeper Ederson missed Saturday's 4-2 friendly win over Chelsea due to injury.
After losing to Celtic and AC Milan in their first two friendlies of the summer before a 2-2 draw and penalty shootout defeat against Barcelona, City finally made it fourth time lucky in pre-season in Columbus.
Kickoff was delayed due to a thunderstorm, but City were lightning fast out of the blocks against Enzo Maresca's side, as Erling Haaland - fine to start after a knock against Barcelona - struck a brace within the first five minutes of the match.
The Norway international firstly netted a retaken penalty after Chelsea were caught out trying to play out from the back, and he capitalised on an error from Moises Caicedo to score his second straight from kickoff.
History repeated itself for Chelsea in the second half, where Oscar Bobb doubled the Citizens' lead before Haaland completed his hat-trick straight from kickoff, although the Blues added two consolations through Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke.
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Ederson a doubt for Community Shield?
Stefan Ortega was in between the sticks when Sterling flashed home a terrific volley against his old team, before being swapped out for the veteran Scott Carson, as Ederson was nowhere to be seen in the Man City squad.
The Brazil international's future has been the subject of much debate this summer, as he is thought to be on the radar of some clubs in the Saudi Pro League and is said to be open to leaving the Premier League champions.
However, Ederson's absence was not transfer-related, as Guardiola confirmed that he was left out of the squad due to some "niggles", and while he could not guarantee his availability for next week's Community Shield against Manchester United, he is keeping his fingers crossed.
"Ederson had niggles, we didn't want to take a risk. Yesterday he didn't train. Today is much better. I think next week will be better but I didn't want to take a risk," Guardiola told the press.
Ortega could therefore be given the nod in between the sticks at Wembley, as was the case in May's FA Cup final against the Red Devils, where Ederson missed out with the facial injury he sustained against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
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As well as Ederson's absence, Rico Lewis was forced off in the 70th minute of the win over Chelsea due to an apparent knee problem, although the young full-back is only believed to have been suffering from cramp.
Man City could receive double boost for Man United clash
While Ederson's concern is untimely, Ortega has proved his worth as a highly competent number two for Man City, who are expected to receive a couple of selection boosts for the Community Shield.
Due to Euro 2024, Copa America and Olympic call-ups, Guardiola has been working with an incredibly limited senior squad in the USA, claiming that he only had 20% of his regular first-team stars available.
However, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are set to return to training on Monday following their Euros exploits, although Rodri, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Kyle Walker and John Stones will still be unavailable.
As far as Man United's injury situation is concerned, Erik ten Hag was handed a devastating five new concerns after their 3-0 loss to Liverpool in South Carolina.
Ben Knapton
