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Published on 2024-04-05 10:00:00
Manchester City is facing concerns over the fitness of full-back Kyle Walker ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The first-leg match is part of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie, with the winners moving on to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. This is the third successive season that Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti will meet in the competition, with Manchester City having beaten Real Madrid in the semi-finals last year.
Walker has played a significant role in past matches against Real Madrid under Guardiola, but he is currently a doubt for the upcoming match due to a hamstring injury suffered while on international duty with England. Guardiola has indicated that Walker may not be fit in time for the clash but Manchester City is hoping to give him time to prove his fitness. Should Walker not be available, Rico Lewis is likely to start in his place against Real Madrid.
Despite missing the last two Premier League games and the upcoming match against Crystal Palace, Walker is considered key to Manchester City’s plan by Guardiola. The team is striving for a victory against Crystal Palace to move ahead of Arsenal and level on points with league leaders Liverpool. Manchester City is closely monitoring Walker’s fitness as they prepare for their crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.
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