Kyle Walker a doubt for World Cup as England and Man City defender suffers abdominal injury | The Sun

KYLE WALKER is now a doubt for the World Cup after suffering an injury.

The England defender faces a number of weeks on the sidelines in what will doubtless come as a huge blow to Gareth Southgate's plans in Qatar.

Walker, 32, picked up an abdominal injury during Manchester City's 6-3 victory over Manchester United.

Boss Pep Guardiola admitted he was unsure whether Walker would be fit in time for the tournament in just over six weeks.

He said: "It's something abdominal and he will be a while out.

"I don't know (how long). I cannot say anything else. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully he can get back like Kalvin (Phillips).

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"I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don't know right now."

He was absent from City's 5-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League, with Joao Cancelo filling in at right-back in his absence.

Walker is one of Southgate's key men, often being the first-choice right-back when in a back four or the right sided centre-half in a back three.

The ex-Tottenham and Sheffield United star has 70 caps for the Three Lions and has been a mainstay in each of the last three major international tournaments.

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For England this means Reece James is likely to be drafted into the starting XI in the position with his standing currently as the second choice to Walker.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – who ranks under Kieran Trippier in England RB's for Southgate – could see himself spared the disappointment of missing out if Walker fails to gain fitness in time.

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