Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has announced that Ederson is doubtful as stopper against Liverpool on Sunday. The Brazilian was seen hurt curing City's UCL clash with Atalanta but according to Jurgen Klopp, Ederson will make it in time for the Anfield fixture.
Guardiola has already indicated that Ederson might not be fit in time for the epic duel with the Reds, explaining that the City keeper complained of pain during the UCL game. The Brazilian left the pitch in the first half and per Guardiola, there is no assurance the goalie will be healthy enough at the weekend.
The Spanish manager declared his first keeper was bothered by a muscular problem that might require a long break.
However, Klopp said it's hard to believe that Ederson will be sidelined that easily, recalling that last year the Brazilian was placed on the injured list but made a comeback in a matter of few days. The City keeper is more likely to suit up on Sunday, the German said.
"I expect him 100 percent to play. If he would not play it would change the game because Ederson is an important part of the game. But he is an all the time player," Metro reported Klopp as saying.
Ederson leaving the UCL match and Claudio Bravo finishing for him was a mere precautionary move on the part of City. There was no apparent injury on the Brazilian that would force him to skip upcoming games, the German observed.
"Last night they did exactly what everybody thought. It was a precaution. I watched the game and I didn't see any problem for Ederson," Klopp said, according to The Daily Mirror.
He admitted though that if its true Ederson was hurt and will not be in play against Liverpool, it will be a favor for his club. Bravo will be hard-pressed to do exactly what Ederson can.
"Bravo can do similar things, but exactly the same? Nobody can do. That's how it is," Klopp said.
The Liverpool manager further explained that with Ederson out of the City squad, Guardiola will need to make adjustments on how the match will play out. To be sure, it will be a different game plan that the defending Premier League champion will employ.
For his part, Klopp said he will make use of the opportunity by pressing his preferred gameplay on City, and possibly disrupt the strategy put in place by his Spanish counterpart.
Already, Liverpool enjoys a six-point advantage over Manchester City and scoring a win at Anfield will only make the home team the favorite to snatch the league title from City, frustrating the reigning champ's quest for three consecutive Premier League crown.
