‘Walker, Phillips will be ready’

As England manager Southgate prepares to announce his squad next week, Man City boss Pep reveals injured Kyle, Kalvin should recover in time for Qatar World Cup

Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips should recover from their injuries in time to be available for England at the World Cup in Qatar, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday.

England coach Gareth Southgate will announce his squad next week and is unlikely to see Walker or Phillips return to action before naming his 26-man group for the tournament that starts on Nov. 20.

“It’s likely, the way they recover,” Guardiola said, when asked about the two players’ chances of being fit for the World Cup.

Also read: Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag confirms Ronaldo's availability

Southgate knows it all

“I don’t know the intention for Gareth, but it’s likely. He spoke with the players regularly, with the doctors, and they know exactly better than me. But what I hear in the dressing room, it’s likely they can be ready,” added Guardiola. Walker underwent a groin operation last month, while Phillips had surgery on his shoulder in September. Both played a key role in England’s run to the European Championship final last year.

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Pep Guardiola

Guardiola said Phillips was ahead of Walker in his recovery, but was still doing only “partial and non-contact” training sessions. “I know how important the World Cup is. But I’m not going to use a player I feel is not ready for the physicality, the rhythm,” said Guardiola.

What’s certain is that neither Walker nor Phillips will play against Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday in a game that has little riding on it for either team. City is sure of topping the group and Sevilla will finish third. Erling Haaland will also miss the game at Etihad Stadium, Guardiola said, after being ruled out of the 1-0 win at Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday because of a ligament damage in his foot.

Haaland to be rested

Guardiola said City’s star striker is improving but “still not 100 per cent” and is not training with the team. “We don’t want to take a risk, there’s no sense. Hopefully we can have him against Fulham [on Saturday],” added Guardiola. 

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