Why Ederson is not in Man City squad vs Arsenal for crunch Premier League clash

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was missing as the Blues headed to Arsenal for a Premier League match

Ederson missed Manchester City's game with Arsenal to add to the club's injury problems.

The goalkeeper had started five of the last six matches for the Blues since returning from injury but was not in the squad to face Arsenal at the Emirates. Stefan Ortega started, Scott Carson was on the bench and academy goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff travelled to North London with Ederson not fit enough to participate; Pep Guardiola described it as a small injury but said it was enough to keep him out of Sunday's game.

That made it six absences for the manager to contend with. Oscar Bobb has been missing all season after suffering a leg fracture on the eve of the Premier League campaign, while Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the fixture against Arsenal in September that has ended his season.

Also missing are defenders Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias as well as winger Jeremy Doku. John Stones is fit though to start his second game in a week as he partners Manu Akanji in the centre of defence.

Bernardo Silva captains the side at the Emirates and will play with Mateo Kovacic in midfield, supporting an attack that features Phil Foden, Savinho, Erling Haaland, and new signing Omar Marmoush. Marmoush started against Chelsea last week but was ineligible for the game against Club Brugge.

Fellow new signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are also on the bench, with captain Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish. City kick off in fourth place and are six points behind Nottingham Forest in third and Arsenal in second.