Kyle Walker of England must hurry to recover in time for the World Cup after Manchester City disclosed he had groin surgery.
Walker was hurt in the first half of City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
There is no timetable for his recovery, but City believe he still has a chance to participate in the World Cup, which England kicks off against Iran in Qatar on November 21.
Kyle Walker underwent surgery after injuring his left leg’s groin during the first half of City’s 6-3 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The surgery was successful, and a more thorough prognosis will be given as soon as possible.
Walker tweeted a photo of himself in his hospital bed with the caption, “As athletes, we have to appreciate that injuries are a part of the game we love.”
“My surgery on Tuesday went well, and now I can focus on my rehab and getting back to full health.”
Walker has 70 England caps and was anticipated to be a vital member of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
Southgate, who has deployed him at right-back and as a centre-back in a three-man defense, benefits from his 32-year-tactical old’s adaptability.
Walker will be out for “a while,” City boss Pep Guardiola stated following his team’s 5-0 triumph over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“I understand how important the World Cup is for the players, but honestly, I’m not sure right now,” he continued.
If Walker is ruled out of the World Cup, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold might gain a spot in Southgate’s team.
Southgate rested Alexander-Arnold in England’s recent Nations League games against Italy and Germany, igniting a controversy about the manager’s treatment of the Liverpool star and his apparent defensive vulnerability.
Southgate chose to leave Alexander-Arnold on the bench against Italy and leave him out of the matchday squad against Germany.
England must submit their World Cup team of 26 players by November 13, giving Walker just over a month to demonstrate his fitness.