England’s national soccer team might be without one of their most important defenders at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Manchester City’s right back Kyle Walker underwent groin surgery this week and is now facing long odds of recovering in time for the tournament.
City confirmed the news on their social media, saying that Walker suffered the injury during last week’s 6-3 thrashing of cross-town rivals Manchester United. However, the club did not offer a recovery timeframe for the 32-year-old.
The club’s manager Pep Guardiola also wasn’t able to give more details when asked about Walker’s status for the World Cup.
“I know how important the World Cup is for the players, but honestly I don’t know right now,” Guardiola responded.
Walker shared an update on his operation on Thursday, saying that the procedure “was a success” and that he will now “concentrate on my rehab and getting back to full fitness.”
Kyle Walker made his senior debut with England in 2011 and has since made 70 appearances for the national team. If he cannot recover on time for World Cup, which starts in less than six weeks, England’s head coach Gareth Southgate will likely turn to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
