Manchester City are “hopeful” that Kyle Walker will be fit to face Arsenal this weekend, according to Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old was forced off after just 20 minutes of England’s game against Brazil on Saturday, prompting concerns about his participation in upcoming City fixtures.
However, it is believed that Walker was only suffering from a tight hamstring and there is still a decent chance of him being available to face the Gunners on Sunday. Fans on X are happy that the defender is not seriously injured but some feel that risking his fitness so he can play Arsenal may not be the wisest move:
Thank Goodness
— . (@f47x17) March 25, 2024
Good news
— ree mang (@reemang12) March 26, 2024
I had a feeling it wasn’t serious. Good news for City.
— Mark Lundie (@MarkLundie1) March 25, 2024
That’s good
— Daniel Moses (@DanielMoses0) March 26, 2024
We shouldn't take any risks, let's let him rest
— YannickNoah🇨🇲 (@YannickDev237) March 25, 2024
i have never been so happy
— Big Meech (@flenory_jr) March 25, 2024
He better be rested, can't risk missing him for Madrid
— Pranjal Verma (@Pranjal_0912) March 25, 2024
City will have to take a calculated risk
As we have seen with Kevin De Bruyne in the past, there is a danger that the gamble of playing someone with an existing hamstring injury will backfire.
If Walker isn’t careful, he could end up being sidelined for months, rather than days or weeks. It will be up to him and City’s medical team to decide if the risk is worth it.
Guardiola does have other options available to him
The likes of Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis and John Stones have started at right-back this season so it wouldn’t be a disaster if Walker isn’t past fit.
Manager Pep Guardiola will, however, be keen to have his best team available for what is likely to be a season-defining game this weekend.
