Ederson doubtful for Manchester City's crucial title race clash showdown with Arsenal

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson looks likely to miss the champions' crucial title clash with Arsenal later this month after suffering a thigh injury at Liverpool.

It is understood the Brazilian is facing a three to four-week lay-off after being forced off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield following a clash with Darwin Nunez in which he conceded a penalty.

Ederson stayed on the field for the resulting spot-kick, from which Alexis Mac Allister scored to cancel out John Stones’ opener, but needed to be substituted soon after.

City, who are one point behind joint-leaders Arsenal and Liverpool, are due to face the Gunners in their next Premier League outing in just under three weeks, on 31 March.

He could also be ruled out of the visit of Aston Villa the following Wednesday.

Number two Stefan Ortega is likely to deputise for this Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, while the injury would also make Ederson unavailable for Brazil’s friendly with England at Wembley on 23 March.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo was encouraged by their performance against City and hopes the point they earned at home will ultimately be important in the title race.

Pep Guardiola's side were probably happier with the draw, even though it left them third in the table, a point behind Liverpool who were kept off top spot by Arsenal’s goal difference.

The Gunners still have to go to the Etihad Stadium and should both Liverpool and City win all their remaining games, Jurgen Klopp’s team would be crowned champions.

"Second half we had more chances than Man City so, yeah, we are disappointed about the result but we need to move forward," Endo told the club’s official website.

"But the way we played, with how we created the chances, I think it was