Man City could be forced into Kyle Walker change after Pep Guardiola reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Man City have “real problems” in the centre-back berth after Nathan Ake suffered a groin injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed right-back Kyle Walker, 32, could play in the heart of the defence once again.
Ake was substituted after 21 minutes as Man City drew 3-3 away at Newcastle on Sunday (21 August).
As per the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola confirmed post-match that Ake had suffered a groin injury – and insisted he would “absolutely not” be involved against Barcelona on Wednesday (24 August).
Aymeric Laporte is also out for the Citizens – leaving John Stones and Ruben Dias as the only senior centre-back options at the club.
Walker has played as a centre-back five times for Man City and has excelled in the role on international duty with England.
Whelan claimed Guardiola’s side will be “under strain” with the Champions League set to kick off at the start of September.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “This is what happens, unfortunately.
“The Premier League is a different intensity altogether. Getting through pre-season is one thing, but you’ve got to up the ante again when the league comes back.
“It puts players under strain, and the games are going to come thick and fast now. They’ve got the Champions League to contend with.
“I’m sure Pep will have ideas. We’ve seen Kyle Walker playing a centre-back role before, using his pace.
“You don’t want to be losing one of your best wing-backs, but Man City have got real problems.
“They’re going to have to utilise every bit of their squad while they try and get these players back as quick as possible.”
In other news, pundit issues emphatic John Stones verdict after what he’s seen at Man City.