After Kyle Walker was taken off due to sustaining a hamstring injury against Brazil, the signs did not look too positive for Manchester City.
The Englishman was substituted as early as in the 20 minute, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa taking his place at right-back.
Even if the injury suffered by Walker meant he would not miss too much football, the fact that he could be unavailable against Arsenal is a worry for City.
The last thing Pep Guardiola would have hoped for is for any of his big-hitters to pick up an injury during the international break.
Jeremy Doku shares what Kyle Walker told him about his injury
When quizzed about the injuries suffered by Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku revealed that he spoke to the latter.
“I didn’t ask Kevin [De Bruyne] if he will be available for the weekend. Kyle [Walker], I asked him if everything’s alright. He told me, yeah, he had something with the hamstring. I don’t know how long it’ll take.”
“I just hope they will be alright for the game against Arsenal, of course. But no, I don’t have more information about it”, Doku said about Walker and De Bruyne. [via HaytersTV].
After the contest, the treble-winner hoped that his injury was not too serious and he would be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
If Kyle Walker is out against Arsenal, Guardiola and Co. have every reason to be worried
Judging by Kyle Walker hoping he is back to full fitness and the revelation from Jeremy Doku, it is evident that the extent of his injury is yet to be discovered.
As Manchester City are set to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal on Sunday, it is not ideal that Manuel Akanji has also pulled out of Switzerland’s squad to face the Republic of Ireland due to a knock.
If both Walker and Akanji are unavailable, Lewis will likely have to be deployed at right-back against Arsenal, who last started a game in the Premier League at the end of January.
As a result, Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Kyle Walker is fit and if not, at least Manuel Akanji can deputise for him in his absence.