Pep Guardiola backs 31-year-old to step up as £54m star joins Ederson on the sidelines in huge blow

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lauded back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno and claims the 31-year-old goalkeeper is more than capable of stepping up in the absence of Ederson this weekend.

The defending FA Cup holders play host to five-time winners Newcastle United, who are chasing their first domestic trophy since 1955. Ortega is expected to start in between the posts for the Sky Blues and Guardiola claims he has never let him down when called upon. 

The Spainard told the club website: “He’s proven himself since he arrived with incredible quality performances. We’re delighted with all three keepers at the moment but when he’s had to play he’s performed unbelievable. “

Pep also hinted that Brazilian international Ederson should return in time for his side’s mouthwatering Champions League clash against 14-time winners Real Madrid. He said: “Eddie is getting better. Hopefully he’ll be ready after the international break.”

Ederson is not the only high-profile absentee for tomorrow’s match and Guardiola’s men will also be without starman Kevin De Bruyne, who recently sustained an injury. The Belgian played a defining role when City last faced Newcastle in January, and his goal and assist off the bench proved to be the difference in a tightly-fought 3-2 win at St James’ Park.

Commenting on De Bruyne, Guardiola told reporters: “He played at Anfield with some problems, but he’s getting better. He’s not ready for tomorrow and we have spoken with the manager of Belgium. We can't take a risk now and certainly not with Kevin. It is better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship."

However, Guardiola did offer some words of encouragement to fans as he confirmed that Jack Grealish is getting better and added that he will be in the squad for the quarter-final clash.

The ex-Aston Villa man has so far managed three goals and one assist from 14 matches, but is seen as an important part of the team’s attacking play when at his best.

Guardiola has warned his team that they will need to be at their best for the cup tie and claimed that Newcastle have been increasingly tough opposition in recent meetings under Eddie Howe.

He added: “This season and previous ones since Eddie Howe was there and the people from Saudi Arabia took over, it’s always been tight games and we don’t expect anything different.

“We have an incredible chance at home with our people. We need in home games the support of our fans like we had against United, I don’t remember that environment for a long time. Tomorrow isn’t an exception. We need it to reach the semi-final at Wembley again.”