England defender Kyle Walker could miss the World Cup as Pep Guardiola insists he ‘doesn’t know’ if the Man City star will recover from an 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 in the 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

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

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

“Kyle will be out for a while. We need to talk to the doctors. I hope 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 at the moment.

Walker only recently returned from injury and played on the right of a back-three for England during the September 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 an issue.

Southgate will name their 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.