Jurgen Klopp is expecting Ederson to start for Man City against Liverpool on Sunday despite limping off against Atalanta.
The Brazilian was replaced at half-time with a muscular injury in City’s Champions League draw in Italy on Wednesday night, with Pep Guardiola later admitting he doesn’t know if the shot-stopper will be fit for his side’s trip to Anfield.
However, having watched the game, Klopp has dismissed the uncertainty regarding Ederson’s availability, calling upon his own experiences as a manager to insist he is certain the 26-year-old will be fit to start against the Reds.
“If he would not play then they would change because Ederson is an important part of their game, 100 percent,” the German told Sky Sports. “(Claudio) Bravo can do similar things. Exactly the same, no-one can do. That’s how it is.
“But I expect him 100 percent to play. He’s an ‘all the time’ player. Last year there was something similar when he went off in a game and a couple of days later he was back on the pitch.
“Last night it was a precaution. I watched the game obviously and didn’t see any problem.”
Klopp continued: “Going in the dressing room, I know how it is there.
“The manager asks around “Any issues, any issues?” and the goalkeeper goes, and I don’t know if it was like this but it is a lot of times with me like this in these situations, “It’s a bit tight, I feel something.”
“And you say “Okay, no risk. Come off.” These kind of things happen constantly and you have to react then.
“I don’t see him not playing on Sunday.”
While Ederson’s presence at Anfield on Sunday might be uncertain, one person definitely attending the game is Liverpool fan Sean Cox.
The Irishman and his family will be guests of the club as he makes an emotional first return to the ground since he was assaulted by Roma supporters before the clubs' Champions League semi-final first-leg meeting in April 2018.
And Klopp shared his delight at the news, revealing he hopes see Cox on the day of the game if possible.
“It’s great. I hope I can see him but I’m not sure if it’s possible,” he said. “It’s just wonderful. It’s been a tough 18-months for the family, for himself and his friends.
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“Now coming back (to Anfield) and that he wants to be back, that’s really nice.
“I’m sure our supporters will make it a really special occasion for him and if I have the opportunity around the game, I would really like to see him."
