Manchester, England – Kyle Walker has been added to Manchester City’s growing list of injured players following his return from international duty, specifically sidelined by a knee issue. As a result, he will be unavailable for the upcoming Champions League home match against Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
This situation is not new for Pep Guardiola, the City manager, who expressed his frustration regarding player injuries that can occur during international breaks. He reflected on the emotional turmoil he experienced toward the end of the previous season when both Walker and John Stones returned from playing for England with injuries sustained during friendly matches. The absence of these key defenders derailed City during the Premier League title chase and hindered their efforts against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, a match in which they were eliminated after a penalty shootout following two draws.
Guardiola shared his profound disappointment from that experience, stating, “I never felt so angry like that moment — never ever before was I so disappointed.” He emphasized the irony of losing players to injuries in friendlies while competing in crucial matches, saying, “For a friendly game, two players came back injured. I didn’t like it at all.”
During the recent international break, England played two Nations League group matches. Walker did not participate in the first match, a loss to Greece, but played the entirety of the second match, which was a victory against Finland on October 13.
Guardiola criticized the current lack of communication between national team managers and club coaches regarding players’ physical conditions, saying, “Before when I was a football player, the national team manager called the managers from the clubs. Now nobody talks about how (the players) feel.” He reiterated his support for players representing their national teams, noting, “I always encourage them to go to the national team. It’s a pleasure. But when there is a friendly game, you cannot come back injured. I’m sorry.”
Currently, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Kevin De Bruyne are also unavailable for City. De Bruyne seems closest to returning, having resumed training, but Guardiola stated that the midfielder is not yet at full strength following a groin injury sustained during a Champions League match against Inter Milan on September 18.
The manager acknowledged De Bruyne’s advancing age and frequent injury challenges, indicating a cautious approach with the playmaker. “It’s not a big issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine,” Guardiola explained. “Kevin is not 22 years old anymore; he has to be fit for his football. He has to be completely fit and he doesn’t feel comfortable so he cannot express his incredible potential at his best. He said to me, ‘I still don’t feel good.’ So take your time.”
As it stands, City has accumulated four points from their first two matches in the revamped Champions League group stage, having drawn 0-0 with Inter and secured a 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava.