Gareth Southgate makes important England World Cup squad decision on Manchester City star

Gareth Southgate has taken an important stance on his England World Cup squad, according to a new report, concerning one Manchester City star.

That player is Kyle Walker.

The experienced Premier League defender is currently in the midst of a recovery process, following surgery earlier this month.

Two weeks into his recovery from an operation on his groin, and there is widespread optimism that the Manchester City man will play some part in England's World Cup pursuit this winter.

Gareth Southgate is expected to announce his provisional squad in the coming weeks, and while Walker continues to work towards making a comeback, there is an understanding in some quarters that he will be a part of the team travelling to Qatar.

This is an understanding that is echoed in a new report this week, that reveals the positive outlook on the situation by England head coach Gareth Southgate.

Kyle Walker has been a mainstay in the national team manager's squad over the past few years, playing integral roles in significant progress at major tournaments.

Walker has not only featured at full-back for England, but has also been implemented in the central defensive roles too.

For Southgate, he will be clinging on to hope that the Manchester City veteran can play an important role at the upcoming tournament.

According to the information of The Sun, England manager Gareth Southgate has assured Manchester City's Kyle Walker that he will be given every chance to make the World Cup.

This will come even in the event that the 32 year-old cannot prove his fitness by playing under Pep Guardiola before the national team squad is announced.

It is also reported that the experienced full-back is expected to step up his recovery from groin surgery next week, in what would be a significant boost to City and their defensive options heading into a crucial period of the season.

The Sun describe England boss Southgate as being 'keen' for Kyle Walker to join his 26-man squad, even though he is unlikely to feature for the Premier League champions before the World Cup break begins in less than one month's time.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have also been boosted by the return of John Stones to first-team training this week.

The England international has spent the last few weeks recovering from a hamstring problem sustained while on international duty, and will likely bring a smile to Pep Guardiola's face ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.

Next up for City is a Premier League clash against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon.