Manchester City’s star goalkeeper, Ederson, is set to make a comeback in the upcoming FA Cup match against Tottenham, bringing a ray of hope to the team. His return is a significant boost, especially since City’s top scorer, Erling Haaland, remains sidelined.
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Haaland, despite leading the goal charts, has been out of action since December 6 and missed scoring in their previous match against Tottenham. Pep Guardiola acknowledged the impact of his absence, stating, “He is close to coming back, but not ready for tomorrow. We will wait a little bit more.”
Facing Tottenham without Haaland
This situation presents a challenge for Manchester City, particularly against Tottenham in north London, where Guardiola’s team has struggled. They haven’t won or scored in their last five visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, Ederson’s return could change this narrative. Recovering from a recent knock, he is primed to rejoin the squad. Guardiola expressed confidence in Ederson’s recovery, saying, “He’s okay now.”
The story of Manchester City’s recent encounters with Tottenham is marked by tight contests, including a 1-0 defeat at home last year and a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium. In that draw, Haaland played a significant role, assisting what seemed like a winning goal. However, his current absence, coupled with the injury of defender Manuel Akanji, shifts the focus to the returning players.
John Stones, another key player for City, is also fit to play, adding to the defensive strength of the team. The return of these crucial players, especially Ederson, might just tip the scales in City’s favor in a stadium where they’ve historically struggled to find success.
