Treble-winners Manchester City are entering the business end of 2023/24 in the mix to defend each of the titles they won last season.
Pep Guardiola's side were left a point off the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield and face leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, after the latest international break.
The return to full fitness of star men Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland has also come as a boost to Guardiola, whose team are unbeaten in 21 games across all competitions since a Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on December 6, winning 18 of those.
Newcastle United were brushed aside 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, while the same stage of the Champions League rolls around in April. City booked their place in Friday's draw after a comprehensive aggregate win over Copenhagen.
However, there is one key injury absentee whose loss might be keenly felt over this crucial period. Goalkeeper Ederson was hurt in the draw with Liverpool and there are concerns his injury could see him miss a string of matches.
MORE: Liverpool vs. Man City: Final Klopp vs Guardiola Premier League clash ends level
Ederson injury news: What happened to Man City keeper?
Early in the second half against Liverpool, Nathan Ake under-hit a backpass to Ederson. The City goalkeeper tried to remedy the situation rashly, catching Darwin Nunez with a heavy challenge to concede a penalty.
Ederson was treated on the field before guessing correctly but failing to keep out Alexis Mac Allister's spot kick. Shortly afterwards, he had to be substituted, making way for Stefan Ortega.
The Brazil goalkeeper posted a picture of himself receiving treatment to his right thigh with the caption "Recovery time".
That period could be a significant length. The Manchester Evening News and Mail Online each reported that the 30-year-old is facing a month on the sidelines.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup quarterfinal against Newcastle, Guardiola tentatively suggested he might recover a little quicker.
“Eddie is getting better, hopefully he’ll be ready after the international break," he said. “Tomorrow for sure [he is out]. He’ll have two weeks off then, he’ll recover, we’ll see how he feels. Hopefully as soon as possible."
Ederson’s recovery is underway. 🦵🔋 [IG] pic.twitter.com/UP3xZV9jp6
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) March 11, 2024
Which games will Ederson miss?
Here's a list of the fixtures where City's No.1 goalkeeper has been unavailable and others for which he might still be absent.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Home/Away | Result |
| Mar. 16 | FA Cup (QF) | Newcastle | H | W 2-0 |
| Mar. 31 | Premier League | Arsenal | H | D 0-0 |
| Apr. 3 | Premier League | Aston Villa | H | W 4-1 |
| Apr. 6 | Premier League | Crystal Palace | A | |
| Apr. 9/10 | UCL (QF 1st leg) | TBC | TBC | |
| Apr. 13 | Premier League | Luton Town | H | |
| Apri. 16/17 | UCL (QF 2nd leg) | TBC | TBC |
MORE: Man City Premier League schedule: Remaining fixtures, points prediction for 2024
Where is Stefan Ortega from?
Ortega joined City on a free transfer in 2022 after the end of his second spell with Armenia Bielefeld in his native Germany.
The 31-year-old has also represented 1860 Munich, with the switch to City representing his first move outside of his homeland. Ortega is also eligible to play for Spain through his father but has never played international football.
"I was ready like always. It was a special moment to come on in this big game and the whole world watching. It was a nice feeling," Ortega said of his experience coming on to help repel waves of Liverpool pressure with Anfield baying for sky-blue blood.
"I do it every day in training and it was about doing the same. I enjoyed every second. It's nothing new, what came — I was ready and prepared. It was a solid performance. I enjoyed it, a good atmosphere and opponent."
It certainly seems Guardiola will have no problems when it comes to Orteta's temperament in the big games coming up.
Indeed, in 28 appearances across all competitions, Ortega has claimed 15 clean sheets, if we include his shutout over the course of the final 34 minutes at Anfield and a 45-minute appearance at Bristol City in the FA Cup last season.
Ortega played in every round as City lifted the trophy last season, with Bruno Fernandes' penalty for Manchester United in the final at Wembley the only goal he conceded in the tournament.
His overall City record, which features 26 starts, is won 21, drawn five and lost two. These impressive displays have brought reported transfer interest from Bayern Munich, among others. The Athletic reports that talks over a contract extension are at an impasse, which means Ortega's pending extended run in the first team comes at an interesting time.
What is Man City's record without Ederson?
The majority of Ortega's City appearances have come in cup competitions. The Liverpool game was the second time he has come on in the Premier League this term on account of an Ederson injury. In January, he conceded two at Newcastle United, but Guardiola's men prevailed 3-2.
Arsenal's visit to the Etihad Stadium on March 31 was his first Premier League start since last October's 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, when Ederson returned fatigued from international duty.
Ortega started three top-flight games last season: a 3-0 win over West Ham, and games against Chelsea and Brighton when City had already been crowned champions.
City's record when Ederson hasn't played or completed 90 minutes in the Premier League since Ortega arrived reads played eight, won five, drawn three, lost none. After the international break, he impressed in both the 0-0 draw with Arsenal and 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
If they can remain undefeated during his latest convalescence, Ortega might have played a huge part in Guardiola's team becoming champions again.