Redaction Willow Austin
Published on 2024-04-02 21:30:29
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
Kyle Walker, who missed Sunday’s goalless draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, is at risk of missing Manchester City’s crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid next week.
The 33-year-old sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with England, as he was forced off during the first half of a friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
Having already made 38 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, Walker played a vital role in Manchester City’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League last season, where they went on to win the European trophy.
Despite facing Real Madrid five times since joining the Etihad Stadium in 2017, Walker is likely to miss the upcoming trip to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Manchester City will face Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before traveling to Spain for the first leg, with the second leg scheduled at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 17th April.
Walker is one of several defensive injury concerns ahead of the crucial fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League, with goalkeeper Ederson and defenders Nathan Ake and John Stones also facing fitness issues.
Guardiola has been cautious about the fitness of his squad recently, confirming that Walker will miss the Real Madrid clash due to his injury.
Prior to the match against Aston Villa, Guardiola stated: “Listen, the doctor said, ‘no’. But, Kyle is Kyle, he has special genetics. But what the doctor said to me, it was quite serious. But, as I said, Kyle is Kyle.”
Manchester City could also be without Ederson for the trip to the La Liga giants, as the goalkeeper has been absent since the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last month, where he was substituted after a collision with Darwin Nunez.
