Kyle Walker’s absence added to Manchester City’s growing injury list as the team faced Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday.
Walker, who featured in one of England’s international fixtures during the break, was notably missing from City’s squad at Molineux. This opened the door for Rico Lewis to continue his strong start to the season, keeping his spot at right-back. Walker’s absence compounds the ongoing injury concerns for City, with Kevin De Bruyne still sidelined and not yet fit to return, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
As expected, De Bruyne was unavailable for the Wolves clash, despite having returned to training. Nathan Ake, however, was back on the bench after making progress in his recovery. Manu Akanji, who had missed training earlier in the week and was a doubt, also made it to the bench, while John Stones stepped in to bolster the defense.
Walker’s absence is believed to be due to fitness concerns, but City remain hopeful it won’t be a long-term issue, especially with key upcoming matches against Sparta Prague and Southampton. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb are still recovering, though there is optimism De Bruyne could make his return in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Friday about De Bruyne and Ake, Guardiola said: “I don’t think [they will be ready to face Wolves]. They are not ready. They are training, they are in the last part. Yesterday Nathan [Ake] did his first training with the team. Maybe he can travel but he is not ready to start. Today was a day off so we will see how they feel.”
