Pep Guardiola aims England dig as Kyle Walker ruled out of crunch Real Madrid clash
Pep Guardiola has aimed a dig at England after seeing injury rule Kyle Walker out of Manchester City's quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Walker was forced off during the first-half of the Three Lions' defeat to Brazil in the March internationals. He then left the national team's camp to return to City for treatment and has missed their last three games.
But his recovery is sill ongoing, with Guardiola now revealing that he will miss the trip to Spain on Tuesday. Fellow defender Nathan Ake has also been left out of the 21-man squad to face Madrid.
The City boss also confirmed Josko Gvardiol is a doubt for the game, though he has been included in the squad. And it appears that Guardiola is placing the blame for Walker's absence squarely at England's door.
“It is what it is. Madrid have (Thibaut) Courtois, (Eder) Militao and (David) Alaba, a long time they have been without players. Kyle unfortunately in a friendly game was injured. We would love to have him but what can I say?" Guardiola said.
“Injuries are part of a long season but unfortunately in a decisive part of the season we have a number of injuries in the same area and we have to find a solution. I needed fresh legs [against Crystal Palace ].
“I have to see the doctor who will say ‘okay we can count on these players, we cannot count on these players’. After I will see Madrid and talk with my staff who have watched them more than me and then take [a decision on] the line-up.”
With Walker and Ake ruled out, City have named Ruben Dias, John Stones, Sergio Gomez, Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis as their available defensive options. Though his side head into the game as the Champions League holder, Guardiola is predicting a tough test.
“Two years ago we went
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