Manchester City goalkeeper could miss remainder of season

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has a potential crisis in goal with news Claudio Bravo could miss the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury.

The reigning Premier League champions have already lost star man Kevin De Bruyne for up to four months with a knee problem and now Bravo faces an even longer period on the sidelines.

City confirmed on Monday evening that Bravo suffered a serious foot injury in training, leaving Guardiola without a senior back-up goalkeeper to first choice Ederson.

“Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has sustained an Achilles tendon injury in today’s training session,” a statement read on the club’s official website.

“The Chilean keeper underwent scans this afternoon which have confirmed a rupture in the tendon of his left foot.

“He will fly out to Barcelona for further tests on Thursday where the extent of the injury will be examined.”

The transfer window for Premier League clubs shut at the start of the month and, with Bravo facing seven months out injured, Guardiola has a huge problem.

Guardiola rested Ederson during cup competitions last season but the only other option at his disposal is 20-year-old Daniel Grimshaw, who hasn’t made a senior appearance.  

City sold Joe Hart and Angus Gunn on permanent deals to Burnley and Southampton, respectively, earlier this summer.

Guardiola signed Bravo from Barcelona two years ago but the 35-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in England, forcing City to bring in Ederson for £35m 12 months ago.

Of Premier League goalkeepers that have made more than five appearances in the last three seasons, Bravo has the worst save success rate (55.2%).