Walker still not fit as Guardiola discusses international friendlies

Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Kyle Walker is still unavailable for the City boss as his side face AC Sparta Praha in the Champions League.

The England International missed last weekend’s game against Wolves after sustaining an injury during England’s loss to Finland during the international break.

Guardiola during his press conference ahead of the Champions League clash stated: “Since being with the national team he’s not been well.” Walker’s knee injury is not the first time Guardiola has had a player return to him injured.

Injury

He recalled an instance towards the end of last season where two of his players came back injured: “But if it’s a friendly game you cannot come back injured, I’m sorry. If you are focused, if it is a friendly game, you cannot come back injured when you are playing the quarter-finals of the Champions League.”

The City boss also called for more respect for the domestic clubs saying: “We are well paid here. The club pay us, not the national teams. Sometimes you have to respect the clubs.”

This season the premier League will have four international breaks ranging throughout the season. With the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers both taking place while players are already playing competitions with their respective domestic clubs.

This news adds to the debate about player welfare. Just last week FIFPRO, the players union filed complaints over FIFA’s international schedule.

David Terrier the president of FIFPRO stated; “Today’s leading players face a threat to their health and wellbeing, and the future of the industry.” This was in the wake of FIFA increasing the amount of games they are proposing including it’s revamped Club World Cup, Which will of course feature Man City.