The last two European champions go head-to-head on Tuesday night when current holders Manchester City travel to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
It’s a fixture that could well have been the final but these two giants will lock horns in this year’s last eight, with a place in the semis up for grabs. Nothing, of course, can be decided in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it’s still a huge opportunity for both sides to put one foot in the final four.
However, Pep Guardiola’s travellers will have to cope without Kyle Walker in the Spanish capital, a player whose influence and experience is key on big European nights – especially up against Real’s tricky forward line.
So, why is Kyle Walker unavailable for the trip to Madrid?
Unfortunately for Guardiola, Walker hasn’t been named in the matchday squad for the first clash with Real, the defender having sustained a hamstring injury during an international friendly for England in March.
The 33-year-old lasted just 20 minutes during a 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley last month before being replaced by Ezri Konsa, with Walker yet to feature for Man City since suffering the setback.
Speaking back in early April, Guardiola had confirmed that Walker’s injury was potentially serious, but remained positive regarding his recovery despite not indicating when he might return to first team action.
“Kyle is Kyle; he has a special genetic,” said Guardiola. “The doctor said to me it was quite serious, but I said Kyle is Kyle.”
Walker will be a huge miss for Man City ahead of a meeting with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, but young Rico Lewis will step in having already shown he has the ability to cope in big games this season.
With no timeframe for Walker’s return, there is a chance that he features during the second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday 17 April.
Nathan Ake has also missed the journey to Spain after sustaining an injury during the goalless draw with Arsenal at the end of March, while Josko Gvardiol has travelled despite being a doubt for the match.
