Updated – 20.43
MAN CITY GOALKEEPER Ederson says he is “fine” after being caught in the face by a high boot from Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
The Brazilian was forced from the field on a stretcher during a Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
He collided with Mane as both chased down a ball floated over the top of City’s defence, with Ederson winning the race and connecting with his head.
Mane, though, raised his foot in an effort to get the first touch and ended up connecting with Ederson’s chin, forcing him to require lengthy treatment and the Liverpool man to see red.
After being removed from the action, Ederson underwent medical checks amid fears that he could have suffered cheek or jaw damage.
He was, however, able to take a seat in the stands before City wrapped up a 5-0 win and has now moved to ease any fears regarding a possible serious injury.
Olá a todos, estou bem, é um susto. Importante Vitoria 🙂 somos fortes 💪🏼 Obrigado a todos por msgs 😘 pic.twitter.com/etl8SrdYtT
— Ederson Moraes (@edersonmoraes93) September 9, 2017
Ederson’s message on Twitter read: “Hello everyone, I’m fine, it’s just a scare. Important victory. We are strong. Thank you for all the messages.”
Mane has since published an apology statement on Facebook, in which he wishes the injured Ederson a quick recovery.
The full statement reads:
“I hope and wish Ederson a quick recovery. I am so sorry he was hurt during our accidental collision on the pitch and am sorry for him that he could not complete the match because of it. I pray he heals fast and is back playing very soon!
“I wish a speedy recovery to Ederson so that he can quickly resume the competition. I am very sorry that he is injured in our accidental collision on the ground and regrets that he cannot go until the end of the meeting. Once again, I pray he heals quickly and finds the lawns to play.”
Claudio Bravo was introduced in place of Ederson against Liverpool and will provide experienced cover if Pep Guardiola is forced to tinker with his plans over the coming weeks.
While concerned for their goalkeeper’s wellbeing, City took full advantage of their numerical advantage against Liverpool.
Sergio Aguero had already opened the scoring when Ederson picked up a knock, with Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane going on to bag a brace apiece in a crushing victory.
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