Manchester City Pep Guardiola has announced VERY SAD news for KYLE WALKER this afternoon after he was substituted against Brazil yesterday
Pep Guardiola has suffered a huge injury setback ahead of Manchester City’s match against Arsenal following the international break. The treble winners will host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, as both sides earn an advantage in the Premier League title chase.
Ezri Konsa replaced Kyle Walker early in England’s match against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night. The Manchester City defender appeared to have sustained a hamstring injury and, after being hauled off, walked straight down the tunnel to the changing room.
The severity of Walker’s injury is unknown, but his likely absence from Guardiola’s squad next week would be a big setback. This season, the 33-year-old has made 26 Premier League appearances, assisting Manchester City in their pursuit of another title.
Walker was extensively linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window. Despite uncertainty about his future, he signed a new long-term contract in September, keeping him with the club until 2026.
Guardiola praised him as a ‘incomparable’ and ‘special’ athlete in a brief chat with TNT Sports following the news. The Spaniard stated, “First and foremost, as a footballer, [he] has an unequalled genetic [quality], physical characteristics, something unique.
“What comes after is the personality. When he communicates to his teammates, they listen, and I believe he is maturing as a player both on and off the ball.”
Guardiola added: “It would have been a huge shock to lose him as a player. Fortunately, it did not happen, which is significant. We’ve been together for seven years and know each other through eye contact. And he is a unique player who is irreplaceable. As long as he stays focused, he will be there for many years.”
Walker has been a key player for Guardiola at Manchester City for many years, winning five Premier League crowns, four League Cups, two FA Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. With nearly 300 matches for the club under his belt, the England international is a source of wisdom and expertise.
