Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker has emerged as a major doubt for the World Cup after undergoing groin surgery this week.
The 32-year-old was forced off with his injury just before half time in City's 6-3 derby victory over Manchester United last Sunday, and he subsequently missed the 5-0 Champions League win against Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola confirmed after City's midweek win at the Etihad Stadium that Walker could be sidelined for "weeks" with his latest injury.
"It will be for a while, weeks," the Spaniard told reporters. "I don't know (whether he will make the World Cup). I know how important the World Cup is for the players."
Man City have since released a statement on their official website confirming that Walker has had successful groin surgery and state that "a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course."
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. 💙 pic.twitter.com/BcwIAjkb8B
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) October 6, 2022
Meanwhile, Walker has taken to social media to provide an update on his condition, writing on Twitter: "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."
There is currently no timescale on Walker's potential return, but The Telegraph claims that recovery from groin surgery usually takes between six and 11 weeks.
The 70-cap England international is therefore a major doubt for the World Cup in Qatar, with the Three Lions scheduled to face Iran in their opening Group B game on November 21.
Sky Sports News claims that Walker is still optimistic about making the World Cup, with medics aware that the defender has been a "quick healer" from his previous injuries.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, the news comes as a huge blow to both Man City and England, with the right-back regarded as an important first-team player and experienced leader for club and country.
Walker is not the only injury concern for Gareth Southgate ahead of England's trip to Qatar, with Man City duo John Stones and Kalvin Phillips also on the sidelines with respective hamstring and shoulder injuries, the latter of whom underwent surgery at the end of last month.
Meanwhile, Man United centre-back Harry Maguire is on the treatment table with a hamstring injury which he sustained in England's 3-3 draw against Germany just under two weeks ago.
The potential absence of Walker from Southgate's 26-man squad – which is to be announced on October 20 – could see Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold handed a lifeline, while Arsenal's Ben White and Leicester City's James Justin could also come into consideration.
As for Man City, Joao Cancelo is Guardiola's only recognised senior right-back option, while 17-year-old Rico Lewis – who came off the bench to make his Champions League debut against Copenhagen – could be in line for more regular first-team minutes in the coming weeks.
