Manchester City boss unsure if defender will recover in time for Qatar

Pep Guardiola has admitted he cannot guarantee that England defender Kyle Walker will be fit for the World Cup, as the player continues to recover from an abdominal injury. Walker, 32, was absent from Manchester City’s 5-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen, with Guardiola revealing that the injury could keep him sidelined for an unspecified period.

With just six weeks remaining until the World Cup kicks off, Guardiola expressed uncertainty over the timeline for Walker’s recovery. The experienced full-back, who plays a vital role in Gareth Southgate’s defensive setup, was part of England’s successful campaigns in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, often reverting to a central position in a back three.

“It’s something abdominal, and he will be out for a while,” Guardiola said after the match. “I don’t know how long. I can’t say anything else at the moment. We’ll have to speak with the doctors and see when he can return. Hopefully, he can be back for the World Cup, like Kalvin Phillips.”

Guardiola acknowledged the importance of the tournament for players but remained uncertain about Walker’s availability, adding, “I know how crucial the World Cup is for the players, but honestly, I don’t know right now.”