England manager Gareth Southgate is ready to bet on Kyle Walker’s condition during the World Cup despite the Manchester City defender recently undergoing surgery.
He suffered a groin injury in City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United in 2009, casting doubt on his chances of playing for Qatar.
Reports state Gareth Southgate bets on Walker’s fitness
However, according to The Sun, Southgate plans to include him in the interim squad for the tournament, which begins on November 21 against Iran.
Walker underwent surgery after suffering a groin injury in the 6-3 win over Manchester United. The final lineup of 26 players will be announced on 10 November. City’s recovery from surgery, but unlikely to play before World Cup hiatus.
Pep Guardiola’s men met Brentford on his last appearance before his 12 November break, when Walker was too early.
However, right-back Reese Southgate intends to put in a lot of strength, given that James is likely to miss the competition with a knee injury.
However, Southgate will add the City defender to their provisional squad later this week. At Euro 2020, he played a similar match with Harry Maguire and helped them reach the final.
Walker also appreciates the chances of recovering in time for this year’s tournament in Qatar.
The Three Lions boss had a similar match with Harry Maguire at Euro 2020. Harry Maguire played a key role in his first major final since 1966, despite losing to Villarreal in Manchester the previous month in his European league defeat to Villarreal with his ankle injury.
Walker is positive that he will recover in time to reach Qatar, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live, “My first thought now is to return to England.”
“I am sure. I’ve been through enough in my career to know my body. I am way beyond what they thought I could do right now.”
“I just feel I can do this. I’ll have to be patient with it. There will be bumps in the road, but hopefully, when the selection comes, I’ll be included.”
Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier could become England’s right-back if he misses the Iran clash, as expected, while Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been linked.
Alexander-Arnolds Reds teammate Joe Gomez is also available in the position in case Southgate needs reinforcements.
After playing Iran, England will face the United States four days after her, with a conquest match against neighboring Wales on 29 November.
Read More: Arsenal vs Man City getting postponed and a new fixture has been given
