This situation is not unfamiliar for Pep Guardiola.
On Tuesday, the City manager expressed his frustration, recalling how he felt near the end of last season when both Walker and fellow defender John Stones returned from international matches with injuries incurred during friendlies.
These injuries sidelined them for crucial fixtures in the Premier League title race and a quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, where City was eliminated on penalties following two draws.
“I have never been as angry as I was at that moment — I have never been so disappointed,” Guardiola remarked.
“It was a friendly match. We were competing in the quarterfinals against Madrid and fighting for the Premier League title. For a friendly, two players returned injured,” he continued, expressing his discontent. “I found it unacceptable.”
During the recent international break, England played two Nations League group matches. Walker did not play in the first match, a 2-1 defeat to Greece, but participated fully in the 3-1 victory over Finland on October 13.
“In the past, when I was a player, the national team manager would communicate with club managers. Now, there is no dialogue about how the players are feeling,” Guardiola noted.
“I understand,” he added, “that they do not wish to get injured. I always encourage them to represent their national team; it is an honor. However, when it comes to a friendly match, returning with an injury is unacceptable. I apologize for that.”
Currently, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Kevin De Bruyne are also unavailable for City.
De Bruyne is the closest to making a comeback, having returned to training, but Guardiola mentioned that the midfielder still does not feel fully fit after suffering a groin injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League on September 18.
With De Bruyne now at 33 and frequently facing injury challenges, Guardiola expressed his reluctance to take any chances with the Belgian midfielder.
“It’s not a major concern, but he doesn’t feel entirely well,” Guardiola stated. “Kevin is no longer 22; he needs to be in peak condition for his game. He must be fully fit, and since he doesn’t feel at ease, he is unable to showcase his remarkable talent to the fullest. He mentioned to me, ‘I still don’t feel good.’ So, it’s important to take your time.”
Manchester City has accumulated four points from their initial two matches in the newly structured Champions League, having drawn 0-0 with Inter and secured a 4-0 victory against Slovan Bratislava.