England defender Kyle Walker could miss World Cup as Pep Guardiola insists he ‘doesn’t know’ if Man City star will recover from abdominal injury in time

England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker could miss the 2022 World Cup.

The right-back picked up an abdominal injury during the 6-3 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

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He was absent for City’s 5-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night and manager Pep Guardiola provided an update after the game.

“It’s something abdominal and he will be a while out,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know [how long for]. I cannot say anything else.

“Kyle will be out for a bit. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully he can get [back for the World Cup] like Kalvin [Phillips].

“I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don’t know right now.”

Walker only returned from injury recently and played on the right of a back three for England during September’s international break.

The 32-year-old is a big part of Gareth Southgate’s plans for Qatar 2022 and the news will concern the Three Lions manager.

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Even if Walker recovers in time for England’s opener against Iran on November 21, match fitness could be a problem.

Southgate will name his 26-man squad on October 21 and Walker is likely to be included, before a late decision is made on whether to replace the defender.