Ederson or Stefan Ortega? Pep Guardiola confirms who is Man City's No.1 goalkeeper

Ederson has missed Manchester City’s last five games through injury (Picture: Getty)

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Ederson remains his first choice goalkeeper despite having spent his side’s last two matches on the substitute’s bench.

The Brazil international sustained an injury during last month’s titanic 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

Ederson missed the games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa, but was fit enough to make the bench for the victory at Crystal Palace last weekend as well as the midweek Champions League draw at Real Madrid.

In his absence, Stefan Ortega has again proven to be a more than capable deputy but Guardiola insists Ederson is still his No.1.

‘No, [Ederson] is the first choice,’ said Guardiola ahead of tomorrow’s game against Luton.

‘He was ready to play against Madrid and [will be] tomorrow, and the next game. We make the decision for many reasons.’

City can, temporarily at least, go top of the table with victory against the Hatters with Arsenal and Liverpool not in action until Sunday.

Phil Foden is nursing an injury ahead of Man City’s game against Luton Town (Picture: Getty)

Guardiola is sweating on the fitness of a number of key players, including the likes of Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.

‘We’re training this afternoon and then we’ll know better how they feel,’ said Guardiola, who was willing to give little away at his pre-match press conference.

Whether the City boss grants key midfielder Rodri his wish by resting a player who feels he has been run into the ground, meanwhile, remains to be seen.

‘Take a look at our games and you realise,’ said Guardiola. ‘It is simple. He is so important for the quality he gives us. But if you have a player that doesn’t want to play, he won’t play.

‘I need to rest the centre-halves also but in [England’s] friendly games, [John Stones and Kyle Walker] got injured so they get cannot rest. We are in big, big trouble.

‘I had the feeling we were tired in the last games. We will decide tomorrow what we have to do.’