
Pep Guardiola Confirms Two Key Injury Boosts for Manchester City Despite Ederson Blow
Foden and Akanji back in training, but goalkeeper crisis looms ahead of trip to Goodison Park
In a week where injury concerns threatened to cloud Manchester City’s preparations for their visit to Everton, manager Pep Guardiola offered a dose of cautious optimism.
While confirming the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, Pep Guardiola also revealed that both Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji have returned to training—news that will be music to the ears of the City faithful as the team heads into a crucial part of the season.
Ederson Out – No Return Date Set
The major headline this week has undoubtedly been the situation surrounding Ederson. The Brazilian shot-stopper, so often a calm and composed presence between the sticks, was forced off during last weekend’s 4-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace after picking up a groin injury.
Although initial medical evaluations suggested the problem wasn’t season-ending, Pep Guardiola confirmed Ederson will not be available for this weekend’s trip to Goodison Park. Perhaps more concerningly, he declined to provide any timeline for his return.
“He’s not ready,” Pep admitted during his Friday press conference. “I don’t know how long, we’ll have to see. It depends on how he reacts.”
It’s a big blow for a side already lacking stability at the back in recent weeks. Ederson’s injury means that Stefan Ortega, the reliable but largely untested deputy, will need to step up in a match that is expected to be both physically intense and emotionally charged.
Foden and Akanji Return to Training
The gloom around Ederson’s absence, however, was somewhat offset by the good news concerning two of City’s most important players: Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji.
Foden, who was rested as a precaution against Palace, has resumed full training and is expected to feature against Everton. The England international has been in electric form this season and remains one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted creative outlets.
“Phil is back,” said Pep Guardiola. “He trained well this week, no problems. He’ll be ready.”
Meanwhile, Akanji’s return comes at a critical time for City’s backline. The Swiss defender had been sidelined for over two weeks with a muscular issue, forcing Pep Guardiola to reshuffle his defense by pushing Josko Gvardiol into the center to partner Ruben Dias.
“Manu, yes,” Pep Guardiola said with a smile. “He’s had two or three sessions with the group and is moving really well. It’s a big boost.”
Akanji’s availability gives Pep Guardiola greater flexibility, especially with John Stones and Nathan Ake still nursing injuries. The return of his tactical versatility—able to operate as a center-back, right-back, or even in midfield—is a welcome relief for the City boss.
Haaland Still Absent, Stones and Ake Close But Not Ready
Pep Guardiola also offered updates on three other first-team regulars who remain in the treatment room: Erling Haaland, John Stones, and Nathan Ake.
In perhaps the most worrying revelation for City fans, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Haaland has not yet returned to training, sparking fears that the Norwegian striker could face a longer spell on the sidelines.
“He hasn’t trained with us yet,” Pep explained. “We have to be patient. It could take several more weeks.”
The manager didn’t rule out the possibility that Haaland could be absent for up to seven weeks, depending on how his recovery progresses. Considering Haaland’s importance to City’s goal-scoring threat, it’s a situation that will be closely monitored.
As for Stones and Ake, both defenders are reportedly “getting better” but won’t be involved this weekend. With Ederson out and defensive options limited, Pep Guardiola will be hoping their returns are just around the corner.

Manuel Akanji is set to return after an extended spell on the sidelines / Carl Recine/GettyImages
A Difficult Task at Goodison Park
Manchester City may be the reigning treble winners, but a visit to Goodison Park is never easy—especially with David Moyes breathing new life into Everton since his return in January.
The Toffees have matched City in points over the past couple of months and have conceded fewer goals in the process. They’re playing with renewed belief, spurred on by a fanbase soaking in every last home match at their historic stadium before the club moves to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Pep Guardiola knows what awaits.
“It’s a nice place to go,” he said, “but a difficult one, of course. The atmosphere, the history—you feel it. But we need the points, and we must be focused.”
With the race for the Premier League’s top five tighter than ever, City can ill afford to drop points, especially with clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa breathing down their necks. Champions League qualification is not a guarantee just yet.
What This Means for Pep Guardiola’s Selection
With Ortega likely to start in goal, and Akanji potentially fit enough to return to the XI, Pep Guardiola will need to make some key decisions about how to line up his side.
Will Foden come straight back in? Might he be used off the bench to ease him in? Could Pep Guardiola switch to a more compact midfield setup to compensate for defensive absences?
One thing’s certain: Pep Guardiola has options, but not the luxury of a fully fit squad. With a congested fixture list and multiple competitions still in play, rotation and smart squad management will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Depth and Resolve
Manchester City’s trip to Goodison Park is more than just another league game—it’s a test of the club’s squad depth, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience.
Yes, the absence of Ederson is a blow. And yes, the wait for Haaland, Stones, and Ake continues. But with Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji back, there’s reason for cautious optimism among City supporters.
It won’t be easy. Everton under Moyes are tough, gritty, and deeply motivated. The old stadium will be rocking. But if City want to stay in the Champions League hunt—and perhaps even mount a late push for the title—this is exactly the kind of match they have to win.
Let the drama unfold under the Goodison lights.
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