Pep Guardiola drops Man City transfer hint as he confirms major injury blow - 'A little bit longer'

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The Manchester City boss was fielding questions on the club's goalkeeper situation as he confirmed a major injury blow.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has hinted we will have a better idea of who will be Manchester City's No.1 goalkeeper once the summer transfer window closes.

City started with summer signing James Trafford in goal against Brighton, with the former England under-21 international making his third successive start of the season.

Ederson was left on the bench on the south coast, with the Brazil international linked with a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce before the window slams shut on Monday evening.

Before the season started, Guardiola suggested that Ederson would be his No.1 goalkeeper but the continued speculation surrounding his future has meant he is yet to make an appearance for the club this term.

Should Ederson leave, City are expected to push through a move for PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is free to leave the European champions after being deemed surplus to requirements by boss Luis Enrique.

As such, Guardiola has suggested we will have a better idea of who will be City's long-term number one after Monday's 7pm deadline.

“No, I decide this for this game with James," Guardiola told Sky Sports when explaining his decision to start with Trafford in goal at the Amex Stadium.

"Tomorrow we finish the transfer window and after we see what happens. The season is so long, ‘keepers always play a lot of games in the season."

Trafford was culpable for Tottenham's second goal in City's 2-0 defeat last weekend but Guardiola has thrown his backing behind the 22-year-old.

“Yeah, everybody wants the arm (around the shoulder)," the City boss added.

"Sometimes when I put an arm around one and others see it they are jealous so that’s why it’s better to do it all together but of course the support is always there.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola has confirmed summer signing Rayan Cherki will be missing for an extended period of time after the Frenchman wasn't included in City's squad at Brighton.

The City manager said: "Cherki? Yeah, he will be injured for a little bit longer."