Pep Guardiola provides straightforward response when asked if Kyle Walker will be part of Manchester City squad for Club World Cup

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that Kyle Walker will not be a part of the Cityzens' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to begin on June 15. The England international is currently on loan with AC Milan till the end of the season.

It looks as though Walker's time at the Etihad is coming to an end, but where he will end up after this season remains uncertain. He could stay back with the Serie A side, who are reportedly interested in keeping him for longer.

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Since joining the club in January this year, Walker has made 11 appearances in the Italian top-flight. Moreover, AC Milan may have dropped a serious hint about the right-back's future by featuring him multiple times in the kit launch for the 2025/26 campaign.

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Walker enjoyed a long stay at Manchester City, having joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2017 for a reported fee of €52.70 million. Overall, he's made 319 appearances across competitions for the Cityzens, bagging six goals and 23 assists.

The 34-year-old defender won six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors with the Manchester outfit. If Walker is not going to return, Pep Guardiola and Co. will most likely have to look into the market for a new player in this position.

Phil Foden reflects on difficult season with Manchester City

The 2024/25 season has proved a difficult one for Manchester City and one of the team's star players, Phil Foden. He's had a tough time on the pitch and endured worries with fitness, picking up an ankle injury in April.

However, Foden is keen on coming back strong next season and believes in his qualities. Reflecting on the season and speaking to multiple news outlets, he said (via ESPN):

"It's been a frustrating season. I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there's things in life bigger than football. This season I've struggled a little bit."

"Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before because I know what I'm capable of doing and the quality I have."

Overall, Foden has made 44 appearances across competitions this season, bagging 10 goals and six assists. He may feature in Manchester City's final Premier League game of the season against Fulham on Sunday, May 25.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh