Manchester City welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but Pep Guardiola will be without Kyle Walker as he remains sidelined with a groin injury. The 32-year-old underwent surgery last month and has missed City’s last 10 games in all competitions.
Guardiola isn’t sure whether Walker will return before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and didn’t have much to add about his condition in Friday’s pre-match press conference. Pep told reporters: “Kyle (is) still not fit,” so John Stones or Manuel Akanji are likely to start at right-back in his absence.
Man City v Fulham: What will the outcome be?
Man City win
Draw
Fulham win
Walker has made eight appearances in all competitions this season, last featuring in City’s 6-3 win over Manchester City on October 2. He played just 41 minutes after coming off injured, however, and hasn’t been seen since.
City have three games in seven days before taking a break for the World Cup, so it’s unlikely supporters will see Walker until late-December now. Guardiola’s men lock horns with Leeds United on December 28 and Everton on December 31.
Whether Walker will make England’s final squad remains to be seen though. Gareth Southgate is a big fan of the 32-year-old and could select him with future games in mind, but it’s not a good sign that he’s still some way to returning.
In other news, Pep Guardiola has decision to make in midfield after successful experiment
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