Walker suffered what supervisor Pep Guardiola had initially mentioned was an stomach drawback throughout Manchester Metropolis’s 6-3 victory over Manchester United on Sunday and was pressured off earlier than half-time.
Nonetheless, in a press release on Thursday the membership confirmed Walker had gone below the knife to resolve a difficulty along with his left groin.
Talking after Metropolis’s 5-0 victory over Copenhagen within the Champions League final night time, boss Guardiola mentioned he was not sure whether or not the full-back would recuperate in time for the match, which is now little greater than six weeks away.
“He’ll be some time out,” Guardiola mentioned. “I don’t know [how long]. I can’t say the rest. We’ve got to talk to the docs. Hopefully, he can get again like Kalvin [Phillips].
“I understand how vital the World Cup is for the gamers.”
Southgate is blessed with quite a few choices at right-back, together with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reece James, who seems to be main the race for the place after beginning each Nations League video games throughout final month’s worldwide break.
Nonetheless, Walker has excelled on the suitable facet of a back-three at every of the previous two main tournaments and has been a key a part of England’s defensive solidity below Southgate.
The 32-year-old stays a possible starter if match for the group stage opener in opposition to Iran on November 21 and his absence would rob England of a level of tactical flexibility.
Southgate already has considerations over John Stones, who’s out with a hamstring damage, although the centre-back is anticipated to return to motion this month.
The England coach has main selections to make on the again, with Harry Maguire out of shape and out of the Manchester United facet, whereas Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are in want of extra common enjoying time at their golf equipment.
