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Kyle Walker faces a race to recover for the World Cup after Manchester City confirmed the defender has undergone surgery on his groin this week.
Walker limped out of City’s derby win over Manchester United at the weekend and missed the Champions League win over Copenhagen on Wednesday.
After that game, Pep Guardiola confirmed he would be out for ‘weeks’, and the club have now confirmed that Walker has undergone successful surgery on his injury.
The right-back has not been completely ruled out of contention for England’s World Cup campaign; although a provisional squad could be named later this month, with the final 26-man group having to be confirmed by November 10.
A City statement read: “Kyle Walker has undergone surgery after suffering a groin injury to his left leg during the first half of our 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
“The surgery was successful and a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle a speedy recovery.”
Walker’s chances of making the England squad ahead of their first game vs Iran in six-and-a-half weeks will depend on his recovery after the surgery. City face Southampton, Liverpool, Brighton, Leicester, Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League before the World Cup, plus Champions League fixtures with Copenhagen, Dortmund and Sevilla.
They also face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Walker posted on Instagram after City’s statement to say he is concentrating fully on his rehabilitation and that injuries are ‘part and parcel’ of football.