Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - October 2, 2022. Manchester City's Kyle Walker receives medical attention.
Manchester City have been dealt the ‘biggest loss’ after an injury update on star defender Kyle Walker, says BBC pundit Alan Hutton.
The Lowdown: Walker comes off…
The England international was taken off during City’s 6-3 demolition of cross-town rivals Man United on October 2 with phenomenal derby day showings from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden perhaps overshadowing the bad news.
Suffering a groin injury, City then confirmed that Walker had undergone successful surgery four days later but the right-back is now a real doubt to make England’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Pep Guardiola will also be missing a pivotal defender with his recovery runs and blistering pace from out wide proving a real asset at the Etihad Stadium in recent seasons.
The Latest: Hutton gutted after update…
Speaking to Football Insider, former Scotland international and Premier League full-back Hutton has claimed Walker’s absence is the ‘biggest loss’ for City.
“Walker is the biggest loss.
“I think what he gives you, whether it be England or Man City, it is his attributes, his pace, his intelligence.
“He can play that role that Pep likes. He has really evolved as a player. He is not just an attacking full-back, he can do all different things.
“So he is probably the main one they are missing at this moment in time.”
The Verdict: Blow for Pep…
Losing the 32-year-old does indeed come as a blow for Guardiola, even despite the presence of Joao Cancelo on that side and John Stones who can play in a makeshift full-back role.
Walker’s blistering power down the flank can cause the opposition real nightmares both offensively and defensively, which has made him an England mainstay under Gareth Southgate for their last two major tournaments.
City chiefs will be hoping the ex-Tottenham star won’t be sidelined for too long as the champions look to retain their crown yet again.
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