(Football news) Manchester City ran riot against Manchester United last weekend, winning 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium. There was a slight hiccup as Kyle Walker had to be substituted just before half time to due an injury. Walker has had quite a few injury problems since the last two seasons and he had to undergo surgery after his latest one. Now it will be a race against time for Walker to get to the World Cup in Qatar. The Englishman is an important part of Gareth Southgate's squad but now it seems very unlikely that Walker will get to be a part of the squad. Even if the right back is in the squad, he will not be fully fit.

The initial observation would be that England won't miss Walker that much because right back is one position where England have a plethora of options to choose from. Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold are two of the best young full backs in the world while Kieran Trippier is an experienced option who is in great form. Ben White has been playing right back for Arsenal and he is doing an incredible job. Walker however is very distinctive and he provides something which the others can't do. The full back is possibly the quickest player in the world which is a big positive. He is also much better than Trippier, James and Alexander-Arnold at the defensive side of things.

Walker is also incredibly versatile as he can play at centre back, right back and right wing back. Walker's experience of big international tournaments is something which will also be missed by England. The injury is extremely unfortunate for the player and because the World Cup is in the middle of the season Walker is unlikely to risk his season with Manchester City in order to go to the World Cup while carrying an injury. There is an outside chance that Walker will get fully fit before the World Cup which is what Gareth Southgate will be hoping for.

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