Man City handed unexpected boost which could prove pivotal in Premier League title run-in with Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has been handed a huge boost for the Premier League title run-in, with a key player set to return from injury ahead of schedule.

The Premier League title race has had the entire nation on the edge of their seats, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool all fighting it out for English football's biggest prize.

However, the hopes for a three-way title fight seem to have been crushed by Liverpool's disastrous run of results, dropped points to Crystal Palace, West Ham and most notably Everton have seen Jurgen Klopp's side fall out of contention for the title.

Arsenal currently sit top of the table but Pep Guardiola's side could move clear if they win their game in hand, and they have received a massive injury boost at the perfect time.

Despite initial concern, it appears Ederson will return from injury before the end of the season despite initial concern from Guardiola.

The Brazilian sustained a shoulder injury during a challenge with Willy Boly in the first half of the Blues' 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

He was eventually substituted at half-time due to the severity of the injury. He was seen leaving the City Ground with his arm in a sling, and Guardiola's initial assessment was concerning, indicating that the injury "doesn't look good."

It is now being reported by the MEN, that Ederson could return for City's clash with Fulham on the 11th of May, meaning the first-choice goalkeeper would only be sitting one match out.

It isn't like City are particularly weak in between the sticks though, as reserve keeper Stefan Ortega has been excellent in his 17 deputising appearances so far this season.

Ederson- getty

Ortega is one of City's biggest assets and would likely be first choice at most clubs in the country, but he has revealed he wouldn't be opposed to moving elsewhere in the summer.

Speaking following City's impressive 4-1 win against Aston Villa, Ortega spoke about where his future could lie.

"I’m not in the beginning of the 20s so I have to choose wisely now what I’m doing in summer. It’s not that I have to push the club that they will sell me, it’s just like see what happens. I’m relaxed because there are worse places than here," he explained.

"My family and me are really happy here. My wife struggled a bit in the beginning but I think it’s normal to go in a different country. Now everyone is happy."

"At the end it’s not my single decision, my [wife] is there as well, we’re expecting the second child," Ortega added.