Pep Guardiola has admitted that he does not know if Kyle Walker will play for Manchester City again this season.
England’s right-back has missed City’s last four games due to an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
Walker will definitely miss the trip of the leaders of the Premier League to Leeds today and now also looks doubtful for the semi-final rematch of the Champions League at Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Asked at a news conference if he knew if Walker would return this season, Guardiola said on Friday: “I don’t know at the moment.”
City are at a critical juncture in their season, with little room for error as they pursue local and European fame.
With five Premier League games left, they were one point ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table in today’s games.
Their draw with Real is also delicately arranged after a convincing 4-3 draw on Tuesday against Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium.
A number of break-ups are coming up, Guardiola said it was important to focus on the players he knew were ready.
He said: “He’s injured – unfortunately for all of us and especially for him – but I’m not paying attention. He needs to work to get back as soon as possible. I’m focused on the other players.”
Fellow defender John Stones is also unavailable this weekend after going crazy in the first half in the middle of the week, but may be in dispute until Wednesday.
Guardiola said: “John is out tomorrow and we’ll see on Wednesday.”
Jurgen Klopp signed a new contract with Liverpool this week, committing to the Anfield team until 2026.
Guardiola’s contract with City expires at the end of next season, but he insists that Klopp’s situation will not make him try to hurry with his own decision to renew.
The Spaniard said: “I don’t know. The focus is on Leeds. This is important.
“Congratulations to Jürgen and Liverpool. I think this is really good for the Premier League. I wish him all the best for the future. My future is Leeds, our future is Leeds and then the end of the season.
“I’m enjoying this part of the season and we’ll have time after that. I am incredibly happy and I can’t be in a better place to work.
“I can’t imagine a better place, but it’s not just me, there are many things, other situations. We will calmly make the decision we will make.”
PA
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