Key Manchester City player now a major doubt for Arsenal showdown

Manchester City, one of Liverpool's closest rivals for Premier League glory this season, have suffered an injury setback which could have huge ramifications in the title race.

The Citizens' 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday came at some cost to Pep Guardiola's side: it was marked by a worrying incident involving goalkeeper Ederson, who suffered a thigh injury during the clash which led to the Reds bagging the equaliser.

The Brazilian stopper found himself under pressure after a nervy back-pass from Nathan Ake, which led to a collision with Darwin Nunez and the subsequent concession of a penalty.

Despite trying to soldier on after Alexis Mac Allister's equaliser from the spot, Ederson eventually succumbed to the injury and had to leave the field around eight minutes after the initial collision.

Following the game, City manager Pep Guardiola expressed concern over Ederson's condition, telling beIN SPORTS, "It doesn't look good."

Now, according to Jack Gaughan from the Mail, the 30-year-old has suffered a thigh injury and is set to miss three to four weeks of action, including City's clash at home to Arsenal on 31 March, with just one point separating the two sides.

Impressive stand-in performance

With Ederson sidelined, Manchester City turned to backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega for the remainder of the match. The German impressed during his time on the pitch, making four crucial saves, including one from close range from Darwin Nunez, to keep City in the game.

Centre-back John Stones, who scored the opening goal at Anfield, hailed Ortega's performance, acknowledging the difficulty of stepping into such a high-pressure situation and delivering a commendable display.

"Incredible 'keeper," Stones said to the club's official channel. "Not easy at all to come in at this stage and how he played, the saves that he pulled off, such intelligent saves."