A decision on Kyle Walker’s ability to start tomorrow evening’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid will be made after Manchester City train later today. The City captain has resumed training after a hamstring injury he suffered on international duty.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Real Madrid Pep Guardiola was asked about Walker’s availability. The City manager answered: “Kyle trains good. He feels something, but he feels good in his face and his mood. I don’t know from the beginning or the bench, but I think he will be with us tomorrow. Today we have the last session and we will decide. Of course (Kyle) Walker is important. The attributes and quality of Kyle everyone knows it, he is special.”
Guardiola also praised the way his defence played at the Bernabeu a week ago. He also shared that Nathan Ake feels good after recovering from a calf injury. Guardiola said: “Everyone knows what Kyle has but he was not in the Bernabeu and all the guys were exceptional because in the Bernabeu we had a big problem because Nathan wasn’t there, Josko was last minute, Kyle wasn’t there so we had big problem. Today, we are in a better position to switch some players and make some adjustments in case we need it. It’s important that Kyle and Nathan feel good. After, we will decide.”
Kyle Walker’s ability to start could be pivotal in curbing the influence of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian wingers are match winners on their day and arguably Real Madrid’s most potent attacking weapon. But as Pep Guardiola pointed out, if Walker can not start tomorrow, his team does have options to cover his absence.
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