Brazil’s Ederson to miss friendlies against England, Spain

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP):

Goalkeeper Ederson was withdrawn from Brazil’s squad yesterday after he injured his right thigh while playing for Manchester City in their draw with Liverpool in an English Premier League match on Sunday.

Ederson will miss Brazil’s friendlies against England and Spain this month.

He left the pitch in the 56th minute of the showdown at Anfield. Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has replaced him with Vasco da Gama’s Léo Jardim.

Brazil will play England on March 23 at Wembley Stadium and Spain three days later at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Júnior also announced two more players out injured: Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. They were replaced by Flamengo left back Fabrício Bruno and Porto striker Galeno, respectively.

Dorival Júnior took over in January amid a run of dismal results. The situation worsened last month when Brazil failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, side- lining the two-time reigning champions. Manchester City, the defending champions, are in a close battle Liverpool and Arsenal for the English Premier League title.

Following Sunday’s draw Arsenal remained at the top of the league on goal difference ahead of Liverpool. Both have 64 points. Manchester City are in third with 63 points.

Arsenal will face Manchester City on March 31 in the next league match for both teams. On that same day Liverpool will oppose Brighton.