Pep Guardiola provides update on Kyle Walker ahead of Real Madrid match
Walker has been injured since returning from international duty with England.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued an update on the fitness of right-back Kyle Walker.
The Premier League leaders are getting ready to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg this week.
The first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in a 3-3 draw, with all to play for in the all important match this week.
According to update provided by Fabrizio Romano on X, the Man City manager is delighted that Walker is feeling better than before and he could possibly play a part against Real Madrid.
Guardiola said, as quoted by Romano:
“Kyle Walker feels much better, maybe he can help with minutes against Real Madrid because it’s a final”.
“But I don’t want to lose him for a long time… we will decide in the next days”.
Walker sustained a hamstring injury during an England international match against Brazil on March 16, and he hasn't played for Man City since.
In their thrilling 3-3 draw at the Bernabeu last week, Guardiola missed Walker's pace and experience.
The Man City manager stated he hasn't decided who would play right-back in the match he has called "a final".
They are coming after a 5-1 win against Luton Town in the Premier League. This win has seen them climb to the top of the Premier League standings.
After Liverpool and Arsenal both failed to win their matches, Man City remained at the top of the league.
Guardiola is targeting yet another treble with Man City this season and their result in the second leg against Real Madrid could be the difference maker in the final stages of the season.
Walker is a certain starter for Man City when all players are fit and available. His pace and physicality is crucial for the Premier League champions and Guardiola considers him one of the key components of the team.
Man City face a run of three crucial matches, all in different competitions.
Their midweek clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League will be followed by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final. While next week, they travel to Brighton in the Premier League.
City are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window with Fabrizio Romano providing the latest update on their interest in West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta.