Kyle Walker was a late substitute in Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, coming off the bench in the dying minutes of normal time after being dropped for Rico Lewis.
The 32-year-old started City’s last two Premier League games, playing 45 minutes in the 1-0 win over Chelsea and 90 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, but he was subbed off at halftime against Chelsea and wasn’t great against United.
Pep Guardiola took him out of the firing line for the Tottenham clash and Jamie Carragher doesn’t think it was an accident. He said on Sky Sports: “I don’t think Pep was happy with Kyle Walker at Old Trafford. (Lewis is) playing ahead of England’s right-back – taking the place of a seasoned international who has won almost every trophy you can win.”
Walker has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, amassing 930 minutes of playing time. He’s struggled for form, fitness and playing time, resulting in Lewis taking his place on merit. The 18-year-old has featured in four of City’s last five league games, starting three of them, so he’s becoming an important player.
The Sky Blues lock horns with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and Guardiola is likely to stick with Lewis at right-back after his performance against Tottenham. Walker may have to be patient for an opportunity.
In other news, journalist reveals Barcelona ‘made enquiries’ over Ilkay Gundogan
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