Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is now a doubt for the upcoming Qatar 2022 World Cup after undergoing groin surgery recently.
Walker was named in Manchester City’s starting eleven against arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. City played a great game and defeated their rivals 6-3. However, not the entire match was positive for City.
City right-back Kyle Walker, 32, was injured in the first half and was substituted after the third goal. Newcomer Sergi Gómez took his place in the squad and City continued their dominant performance. Walker then missed City’s 5–0 victory over FC Copenhagen.
Walker was previously thought to have only taken a hit. But it was later revealed that the defender was suffering from groin problems and the injury was much worse than it initially appeared.
Manchester City defender doubtful for the World Cup
Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City confirmed on Thursday that their right-back Kyle Walker underwent surgery this week.
Manchester City’s statement regarding the defender’s surgery reads: “Kyle Walker underwent surgery after sustaining a groin injury to his left leg during the first half of our 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday”.
City further confirmed that it was a successful surgery and will release more details about it in the near future.
However, they were unable to provide any timeframe for his return. Kyle Walker is also a key player in the English team. England will participate in the next FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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England manager Gareth Southgate will name his team on October 20. Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker was ready to be a part of it. However now after this operation, Walker has become doubtful for the English team.
If City’s right-back fails to recover in due time, Chelsea’s Reece James, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the favorites to replace Walker in the starting line-up.
Aside from Kyle Walker, another Manchester City player, Kalvin Phillips, is also a big doubt for the English team. The midfielder recently underwent shoulder surgery.
Manchester City central defender John Stones is also currently sidelined after picking up an injury during England’s 3-3 draw against Germany. Fortunately, Stones’ injury is not as serious as his colleague’s. Therefore, the defender will be fully fit within a few days.
City will face Southampton in their next game.
