Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker was absent from training this morning ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Sevilla, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski.

The Lowdown: Walker’s injury

The England international endured a tough afternoon at Villa Park on Saturday in the Citizens’ 1-1 draw against Steven Gerrard’s side.

After wasting a great chance to put City ahead early on in the game, the full-back visibly struggled to compete and was replaced by Nathan Ake with ten minutes to go.

It seemed initially that Pep Guardiola’s decision to withdraw the 32-year-old was performance-related. However, the 51-year-old confirmed after the match that the defender was replaced due to an injury, rather than a tactical change.

The Latest: Bajkowski’s update

Ahead of City’s Champions League clash against Sevilla, Bajkowski shared an update on the defender on Monday.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist stated: “Kalvin Phillips and Manuel Akanji training with #mcfc this morning. No sign of Kyle Walker, who limped off with an injury at Villa.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Walker’s injury will come as a big loss to City, as he has proven to be a crucial member of Guardiola’s favoured starting XI. The 32-year-old has started all six Premier League games so far this season, having also played the full 90 minutes in the Sky Blues’ Community Shield defeat against Liverpool.

When looking at the right-back’s underlying statistics, it is also clear to see how important he is to City’s style of play.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Walker ranks in the 98th percentile for passes attempted, the 97th percentile for pass completion and the 85th percentile for progressive passes.

With the 32-year-old seemingly likely to be absent from the matchday squad tomorrow night against Sevilla, Guardiola will be hoping that Walker can make a swift recovery for City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday, the result of which could prove to be an early indicator in the outcome of the title race.