Kyle Walker is recovering from injury and has a race to be fit in time for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but Pep Guardiola says he’s “optimistic” about making the England squad. The 32-year-old underwent surgery to fix his groin problem, but it remains to be seen when he’ll be back.
Guardiola said in Friday’s pre-match press conferences: “If (Walker) is fit and can play (at the World Cup) he can play. But right now, we don’t know. (He is) optimistic. (He is) in touch with Gareth (Southgate). Hopefully he can be ready and get selected.”
Will Kyle Walker make England's World Cup squad?
Yes
No
Walker has made eight appearances in all competitions this season, last featuring in Manchester City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United on October 2. He’s been sidelined ever since and has less than a month to get fit if he’s to play in England’s first World Cup group game, so he might not make it.
Southgate has named a provisional squad of 55 players but hasn’t published it yet, so he’s already decided whether Walker belongs in his squad. It’s likely the 32-year-old has made the initial team, but he will need to show signs of progress in his recovery to make the cut down to 26 players.
Southgate is a big fan of Walker, however, so he might include him for future games if he’s not expected to be fit in time for England’s opener. It’s a similar story for Kalvin Phillips too.
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