Manchester City's Kyle Walker has undergone surgery on a groin problem this week, throwing his availability for England at the World Cup into major doubt.
The 32 year-old full-back has been a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's four-time Premier League title winning defence over the years, ever since his move from Tottenham in the summer of 2017.
However, in recent weeks, the fitness of the defender has been a major concern to those at the club.
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The latest problem arose in the first-half of Manchester City's 6-3 win against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Walker was replaced after going down unchallenged, and details surrounding the problem have now been revealed.
In a devastating update for all concerned, it has been reported that Kyle Walker had surgery on a groin problem this week.
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As such, the Manchester City man is described as becoming 'a major doubt' for England at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
City boss Pep Guardiola had hinted at a more severe problem for his right-back, speaking after the 5-0 win against Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium this week.
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"Kyle Walker will be out for a while, we don’t have many options," said Guardiola.
Walker has become the second Manchester City player to undergo surgery on an injury problem in recent weeks.
Walker follows his England international teammate Kalvin Phillips.
City's summer signing from Leeds United was advised on undertaking an operation on a persistent shoulder problem.
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While there is some element of hope on Phillips' side that he may recover in time for the World Cup, time is certainly running out.
Manchester City have a hectic month of fixtures on the cards, with matches in the Premier League and Champions League testing the depth of Pep Guardiola's squad to the full.
City will also begin their Carabao Cup adventure next week, as they take on Chelsea in the third round of the competition.
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Elsewhere, club officials are confident that they have finally reached an agreement to secure the long-term future of Phil Foden.
City's poster boy of their academy success has been in negotiations over a new deal for over a year now, but a new contract is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Kyle Walker, Manchester City, England, Premier League, Football
