Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is in danger of missing the World Cup with England after suffering an injury in the Premier League thrashing of Manchester United at the weekend.
The 32-year-old was subbed off 41 minutes into the Manchester derby on Sunday with an abdominal problem. The issue ruled him out of his side's Champions League win over Copenhagen and manager Pep Guardiola has now revealed that the full-back won't be fit again anytime soon.
With the start of the World Cup just over a month away, it's unclear if he'll have recovered in time to play a part in it for England.
"It's something abdominal and he will be a while out," Guardiola said. "I don't know [how long]. I cannot say anything else. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully, he can get back like Kalvin [Phillips].
"I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don't know right now."
Walker's absence would be a big blow for Gareth Southgate, who has regularly used him on the right side of a back three in his time as manager as well as a full-back at times.
At 32 years of age, this could well be the player's last chance to represent his nation at a major tournament, and perhaps almost certainly be his last chance to do so at a World Cup.
In the meantime, Guardiola may well have to reshuffle his Manchester City backline in the coming weeks, moving Joao Cancelo over to the right and bringing Sergio Gomez in.
Source : 90min