Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that goalkeeper Ederson could be in contention to return to the matchday squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
The Brazil international was last in action on March 10 when he sustained a muscle injury in the Citizens' 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Ederson was unable to represent his country over the international break and has also missed City's last three games in all competitions, with Stefan Ortega starting in his place between the sticks.
The 30-year-old returned to training a day prior to the Citizens' goalless stalemate with Arsenal last weekend, but he was not deemed fully fit to feature against the Gunners or in Wednesday's 4-1 home win over Aston Villa.
Guardiola has since provided a positive update on Ederson ahead of Saturday's visit to Selhurst Park, while also confirming that two first-team stars remain sidelined with injuries.
© Reuters
Ederson could return, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker ruled out of Palace game
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: "Ederson is much better. Maybe will be on the list (for Saturday). Nathan and Kyle are out."
Ake was withdrawn in the first half of the draw with Arsenal due to an unspecified problem and subsequently missed the midweek win over Villa, while Walker sustained a hamstring injury on international duty with England on March 23.
Both Ake and Walker are facing a race against time to recover for next Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg away against Real Madrid, but Ederson has seemingly put himself in contention to return for that European showdown.
Guardiola is set to weigh up whether to start Ederson against Palace in a bid to build up his match fitness ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, or to give the Brazilian an extra few days of recover by sticking with Ortega in his place.
© Reuters
Guardiola yet to decide on Haaland, De Bruyne returns
Some Man City supporters were surprised to see both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne left out of Guardiola's starting lineup for the midweek win over Aston Villa.
The Catalan boss was not required to call upon the attacking duo, who watched on as unused substitutes, and he is yet to decide whether he will recall them to his first XI on Saturday amidst the club's busy fixture schedule.
Asked if both Haaland and De Bruyne will feature in his first-team plans against Palace, Guardiola said: "I don't know yet. Playing 12:30 and playing just two days ago, I have to think."
Meanwhile, Guardiola will also ponder whether to give John Stones a run-out, as the defender has been an unused substitute in City's last two matches since recovering from a groin problem picked up on England duty.
Man City currently sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind second-placed Arsenal and three points behind leaders Liverpool with eight games left to play.
Oliver Thomas
