The 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes in City’s recent 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final. However, Walker was conspicuously absent from Tuesday’s club’s open training session at City Football Academy.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Walker is currently nursing a back problem sustained during the FA Cup final. His condition will be closely monitored leading up to Saturday’s crucial match in Istanbul. Guardiola addressed the issue at a press conference, stating, “[Walker] had a disturbance in his back. Yesterday he was not good. Today he was a little bit better. We didn’t want to take a risk and will see in the next days.”
Walker has been a key figure in Guardiola’s squad for several years, making 31 starts in 38 appearances across all competitions this season. Earlier this year, the England international experienced a brief period out of the starting lineup due to Guardiola’s belief that he wasn’t suitable for his new system, which saw John Stones excel in a hybrid midfield role.
However, Walker successfully worked his way back into Guardiola’s plans and has often occupied the right side of a back three. His exceptional speed proved invaluable in dealing with Vinicius Junior in last month’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
In the event of Walker’s absence, it is likely that Manuel Akanji will shift to the right side of the defense, with Nathan Ake being recalled to start on the left. Ruben Dias is expected to continue in the central position of the back three. Guardiola confirmed that the team will travel to Istanbul on Thursday and expressed his calmness and gratitude towards his players ahead of City’s most significant match in their history.
Guardiola stated, “[In] two days we will travel to Istanbul. It’s a dream. Two years ago we were there, but it’s a different circumstance due to COVID. It’s about what you have to do in 95 minutes to be better than the opponent. In one single game, you have to be better.”
He emphasized the challenges ahead, mentioning the difficulty of attacking Inter’s defensive system and the need for patience and the right tempo in the game. Guardiola acknowledged Inter’s ability to control games in Italy and stressed the importance of solid defensive play. He expressed his confidence and optimism but also recognized the formidable nature of the opponent.
Manchester City aims to become the first English club since their rivals Manchester United in 1999 to achieve the treble, having already secured the Premier League and FA Cup titles. The final against Inter Milan represents an enormous opportunity for City to make history.
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