In a recent press conference Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke about how he expected Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson to start at Anfield this weekend, despite the Brazilian going off injured in City’s 1-1 draw at Atalanta on Wednesday.
Ederson was replaced by Claudio Bravo, who was subsequently sent off, in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Serie A side after being withdrawn at half-time due to a muscular problem. However, Klopp seems convinced that the 26-year-old will make a full return to fitness in time for the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool are currently top of the league, six points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side in second. A win, therefore, could take the Reds nine points clear of their nearest rivals and help Klopp’s side take a substantial step towards winning the league.
Ederson could join a growing injury list that already includes the likes of Aymeric Laporte and David Silva, so Guardiola will no doubt want to have his first-choice keeper between the sticks if possible.
Despite Ederson limping off the pitch on Wednesday, Klopp said “I expect Ederson to play on Sunday, 100%”. Reaction from Reds fans to the Klopp quote and the possibility of Ederson playing on Sunday can be seen in the tweets below.
.. Klop ain’t falling for the tricks
— Rich_Arc. (@Rich_Arch5) November 7, 2019
Man City want to distract us but Klopp is not falling for that. From Mane and now to Ederson… Lol
— Durodoye Fatai Olawale (@Duro081) November 7, 2019
Great don’t be fooled
— Charles Zindoga (@svosve_26) November 7, 2019
What’s the point of all dz tricks… We beat them twice with ederson last 2 seasons
— (@Jaykay99156692) November 7, 2019
Absolutely
— Ugo (@ugoezema) November 7, 2019
Ox will be thrilled
— lo-fi hip hop to study to (@tdhodge99) November 7, 2019
Fans are clearly in agreement with Klopp that Ederson will most likely start at Anfield, as City try to win at Anfield for the first time since 2003.
What do we think?
City players recovering from injury quickly seems to be a regular occurrence and although Ederson looked in pain on Wednesday night, it would be a shock to see Claudio Bravo or even Kyle Walker start in goal at Anfield.
The former Benfica man has been a mainstay in the side since moving to the Premier League, so Guardiola will no doubt do everything he can to have him fit for their huge game against the Reds.