Manchester City look like they will have to face Real Madrid next week without the services of their captain Kyle Walker. The Manchester City captain looks set to miss next week’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu due to a hamstring injury.
Kyle Walker suffered a hamstring injury during England’s 1-nil friendly loss to Brazil during the international break. He missed Sunday’s nil-all draw with Arsenal and now appears set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Pep Guardiola was asked about the chance of Walker featuring in next Tuesday’s clash with Real Madrid. The City manager said that the club doctor had ruled the City captain out of the match in Spain. Guardiola told the media: “Listen, the doctor said, ‘No’. BUT, Kyle is Kyle, he has special genetics. But what the doctor said to me, it was quite serious. As I said, Kyle is Kyle.”
It is undoubtedly a blow for Manchester City to lose their captain for the clash with the Spanish giants. His match up with Vinicius Junior down Manchester City’s right-hand side would have been one of many mouth watering tussles on the pitch between the two teams. Walker successfully neutralized the Brazilian star in last season’s Champions League semi-final as Pep Guardiola’s side stormed past Real Madrid last season to claim their maiden Champions League crown.
Manchester City must also face Aston Villa and Crystal Palace without the England international. Pep Guardiola’s side has two crucial Premier League matches before they travel to Spain next week. Walker’s absence does give Manuel Akanji or Rico Lewis the chance to shine at right back. While the loss of Kyle Walker is a blow for the champions, they do appear to have cover in the right-back position.
