Kyle Walker is a huge doubt for England’s World Cup squad after the Manchester City defender was forced to undergo groin surgery on Tuesday – prompting Reece James, Aymeric Laporte and others to react to his post on Instagram.
Walker, 32, was substituted on Sunday by Pep Guardiola on 41 minutes during his side’s 6-3 win over Manchester United. Reports emerged on Thursday that he had undergone surgery to correct a groin injury, which he had sustained.
Now, Walker is a doubt for the World Cup. England’s first game is against Iran on November 21 and Walker would have been pretty-much nailed-on to be a part of the travelling 26-man squad. Now, that place is under huge jeopardy.
Walker took to Instagram to share his frustration at picking up the injury, but stated he is trying to remain as positive as possible. There was no update regarding his availability for the World Cup, with Walker unlikely to know himself.
James and Laporte react as Walker forced to undergo surgery
A bitter blow, not only for England, but for Manchester City, too. John Stones is also sidelined through injury and with Joao Cancelo operating on the left side of defence, City are beginning to lose numbers at the back. A big issue for City.
The likelihood is that Sergio Gomez will come in, after a decent display against Copenhagen. That, will allow Cancelo to move over to right-back. Losing Walker adds to Pep Guardiola’s defensive worries, but also sees City lose a leader.
For England, it is another bitter blow. Gareth Southgate counts on Walker’s leadership, and his ability to play as a right-sided centre-back as well as a right-back. It might just give Trent Alexander-Arnold the chance to break into the side.
Plenty responded to his post, including City teammates Laporte – who knows plenty about being stuck on the sidelines. Also, Riyad Mahrez and Ruben Dias. Chelsea and England teammate James also wished him a “speedy recovery”.
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