The latest comments on the part of Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola are no doubt set to pique attentions across the fanbase of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
As much comes after Guardiola provided an update on the wellbeing of a key member of his defensive ranks.
The player in question? Kyle Walker.
Right-back Walker, for his part, picked up an injury whilst on international duty with Gareth Southgate’s England last week.
After limping out of the Three Lions’ friendly meeting with Brazil, it was subsequently revealed that the 33-year-old was struggling with a muscular issue.
Walker, in turn, went on to sit out Man City’s weekend showdown with Arsenal, since ruled out of Wednesday’s upcoming clash with Aston Villa, too.
Speaking to the media earlier this evening, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his defensive star’s fitness was put to Pep Guardiola once more.
The Sky Blues are of course primed to lock horns with Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie between the clubs next week, with Walker’s presence something of a must, up against the talents of Vinícius Jr.
And though Guardiola admitted that, according to the medical staff at The Etihad, the Englishman will not be available, he himself maintains hope of Walker featuring in Madrid:
“The doctor said that Kyle Walker will not be ready to play against Man City. But, Kyle is Kyle… and he has special genetics. The doctor said it was quite serious. But Kyle is Kyle!”
Conor Laird | GSFN
