Kyle Walker could miss England’s World Cup campaign this winter after undergoing groin surgery this week.
The 32-year-old suffered the injury in the Manchester derby at the weekend, limping out of Manchester City’s huge 6-3 win at the Etihad on Sunday.
He missed the comfortable Champions League win over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night and manager Pep Guardiola suggested the full-back would be out for weeks due to an ‘abdominal’ issue.
The Telegraph has now confirmed that Walker in fact had groin surgery earlier this week, which leaves him a doubt for the World Cup, with England’s first game in Qatar against Iran on 21 November.
Walker posted a message on social media which read as cited by Sports Central: ‘As players we have to appreciate injuries are part and parcel of the game we love. ‘My operation on Tuesday was a success and now I can concentrate on my rehab and getting back to full fitness. I will be supporting my team mates every day in any way I can.
Preliminary squads are announced on 21 October, with a final 23-26 player squad announced on 14 November, which puts Walker against the clock to recover.
After City’s 5-0 romp over Copenhagen on Wednesday, Guardiola said: ‘It’s something abdominal and he will be a while out. I don’t know (how long). I cannot say anything else. ‘Kyle will be out for a bit. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully he can get (back for the World Cup) like Kalvin (Phillips). ‘I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don’t know right now.
He added: ‘It will be for a while. I don’t know exactly but weeks. Maybe the club will make a statement in the next days.
Manchester City are not flush with options at full-back, with youngster Sergio Gomez playing at left-back and Joao Cancelo on the right against Copenhagen.
The 22-year-old Spaniard may be set for more chances in the first team after Walker’s injury after his move from Anderlecht over the summer.
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