Pep Guardiola has a huge dilemma over his goalkeepers after Ederson’s surprise return to training.
Ederson’s season looked to be in the balance when forced off with a shoulder injury during last weekend’s win at Nottingham Forest, leaving the City Ground in a sling.
Scans showed that the Brazilian had not done lasting damage before he rejoined training sessions on Wednesday, and Guardiola confirmed he is fit for today’s visit of Wolves.
The City boss picked No 2 Stefan Ortega last month for the trip to Real Madrid when Ederson was available.
‘Eddy is first choice but we rely incredibly on Stefan,’ Guardiola said. ‘We have two incredible keepers, unbelievable. I sleep really well with these keepers.
‘It’s really good that the injury wasn’t like we expected after. He had a lot of pain but the ligament was not broken.’
Ortega’s future is unclear given the German, 31, wants regular games. He could leave in the summer. ‘I would love him to stay, the club would love him to,’ Guardiola added.
Unlike Ortega, Phil Foden still has years left at City and, after being crowned the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, Guardiola claimed the 23-year-old can become one of the club’s greatest ever.
‘If he continues his career until the end here and continues at that level he can be one of the best, that’s for sure. It depends on him, as simple as that.’
Guardiola also tipped Foden to fire England to European Championship glory. ‘Everyone has the feeling that the England national team are on the verge, they are really close,’ he said.
Meanwhile, City celebrated a double FWA win as Bunny Shaw collected the Women’s Footballer of the Year award.