Pep Guardiola insists Ederson remains his No.1 goalkeeper at Manchester City but hinted Stefan Ortega could start Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Ederson was dropped for the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday as City’s crisis continued at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah scored in each half as the Reds inflicted a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat on the champions, who are now seven games without a victory.
The dropping of the Brazilian was surprising given he has played a prominent role in a trophy-laden era for the club, albeit Ortega is generally considered a more than able understudy.
The German may have given away a penalty at Anfield on Sunday but Guardiola suggested he could keep his place between the posts for the visit of Forest on Wednesday.
"Ederson is number one, Stefan Ortega number two,” he said.
"But maybe Stefan will continue to start. Ederson reacted really well."
Guardiola also revealed Kevin De Bruyne is close to making his first start since returning from a muscle injury.
Kevin De Bruyne is edging closer to a first Man City start in months
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“He is closer and even better in the last few days, he’s even better,” added the City boss.
John Stones, however, remains out with a foot problem.
Guardiola revealed “Still he is injured. He has a problem with his feet. I don’t know but not for the next week.”
The City boss also called on the club’s supporters to help drive the team out of their recent slump.
“We need them,” he said.
“The situation is what it is, but they have always been there.
"They know exactly what these guys and this team have done in the last decade - many good moments we have lived together.
"Now they know we need the support because the players are human beings and, of course, they are willing to give everything, as always, to try and change the dynamic."