Manchester City has started this season in an impeccable form. They have been held at bay only twice this season, winning the rest of their 9 games out of 11 in all competitions.
With the reigning blue side being marvelously astounding in the attacking area, they’ve also not relented in the defensive end; conceding 11goals this season.
With Aymeric Laporte recently returning from a two month injury spell to uplift the pressure on City’s defence, Guardiola faces another injury scare in his backline as Kyle Walker goes in the opposite direction.
The English defender was forced off in the late minutes of the first half of Sunday’s derby match, after showing severe distress in the game.
Although Walker’s absence in the second half arguably had very little impact on the outcome of the game, his long term absence will definitely be felt by the entire team; as he is bound to left out over the next couple of months. Kyle Walker’s groin ailment is predicted to linger until the Qatar 2022 World Cup scheduled to hold later this year.
On the bright side, Walker had a successful groin surgery, but how quickly he gets back on the pitch is largely dependent on the speed of his recuperation.
Until the English man is able to force his way back into Pep’s starting line-up, Guardiola is left with Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Wilson Esbrand as alternatives.