0
0
Kyle Walker returned to Manchester City’s matchday squad against Luton, and Pep Guardiola was queried about his availability for Real.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that Kyle Walker could have a role in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Walker has not played for Manchester City since injuring his hamstring while representing England in a friendly against Brazil last month.
Walker missed Premier League games against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace, as well as the opening leg of Man City’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, which ended 3-3.
For Saturday’s 5-1 triumph over Luton Town, the 33-year-old was back in the matchday lineup. Nevertheless, he ended up being benched the entire time.
Kyle Walker injury update from Guardiola
Guardiola has said Walker could play against Real Madrid, but he has yet to determine if he will start the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
“He feels much better, but he was injured, so now we will see in the next few days,” Guardiola said in Saturday’s post-match press conference when questioned about Walker’s prospects of playing against Real Madrid.
“But he’s OK, he feels wonderful. “Since, it’s a final, perhaps he can assist with minutes. But I don’t want to lose him for a very long period if he is suffering. He’ll train a little more right now, and then we’ll decide.
“I understand how vital Kyle is against the Real Madrid players. But he was not in Madrid, and Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, and Ruben Dias performed admirably. “We’ll see.”
Guardiola will want to use Walker’s quickness and experience to counter the offensive danger posed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
The England international remains an important member of the Manchester City side, having made 38 appearances in all competitions this season.
Stones should be available
Stones should be able to face Los Blancos despite missing the game against Luton as a precaution. However, Walker will be evaluated.
“He had some problems, some niggles,” Guardiola explained. “He’s fine, he’s not hurt, but he feels uncomfortable, and we didn’t want to take risks, that’s all.”
Ederson, meanwhile, is certain to start the second leg following his first Premier League game in more than a month on Saturday.
With the game tied at three goals apiece, Manchester City will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage and go to the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season.
