Manchester City have seemingly been handed an injury boost regarding first-team goalkeeper Ederson.
The Brazilian is enjoying his seventh full season at the Etihad Stadium and has made a total of 40 appearances across all competitions in 2023-24 thus far.
Ederson was handed his most recent start in the Citizens' 2-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend, but he was forced off at half time due to a shoulder injury.
The 30-year-old was in notable discomfort after colliding with Forest defender Willy Boly midway through the first half, and although he was able to continue after receiving treatment, he was eventually replaced by Stefan Ortega at half time.
Pep Guardiola admitted after the match that Ederson's injury "doesn't look good" and reports later emerged suggesting that the goalkeeper could miss the rest of the season.
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Ederson takes part in Man City training
However, Ederson has since been pictured in first-team training ahead of Saturday's Premier Leaue clash at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It remains to be seen whether Ederson will be 100% fit to feature in that fixture, but his return to training suggests that his injury is not a serious as first feared.
According to the Manchester Evening News, further examinations on Ederson's shoulder have confirmed that his issue is not a significant one and they hope that he will be fit to return before the end of the season.
It is claimed that Man City have no desire to rush Ederson back, so Ortega is the most likely candidate to start between the sticks against Wolves.
Meanwhile, the Citizens have also been boosted by the news that both Phil Foden and Ruben Dias have taken part in training after missing the win at Forest through illness.
© Reuters
When could Ederson return for Man City?
After Saturday's clash with Wolves, Man City will conclude the campaign with four more fixtures, including three in the Premier League as well as the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
The Citizens will have a week's break between their encounter with Wolves and a trip to Fulham on May 11, so it cannot be ruled out that Ederson could return to the first-team fold for that fixture at Craven Cottage.
If Ederson is not deemed fit to feature against Fulham, then the Brazilian will look to target a return against either Tottenham Hotspur on May 14 or against West Ham United on the final day of the Premier League season on May 19.
Playing in either or both of those fixtures would help Ederson build up some match fitness ahead of City's return to Wembley Stadium to face Man United in the second successive Manchester derby FA Cup final on May 25.
Oliver Thomas
