![]() City will cope just fine without him now, but would be doing themselves a favour by adding more quality to their ranks in a position that is one of the next that needs renewing. However City proceed, Walker's injury highlights the need for at least one new full-back in the next two years. While Gomez was signed, it still left City one injury away from being stretched - something that Walker's absences this season have exposed. Or preferably, both.Ĭity struggled to find a new left-back this summer after letting Aleks Zinchenko go, even if they had time on their side and could afford to risk going into the season without a new signing. Cancelo is the obvious choice, with a back-up option maybe representing a more sensible signing, or alternatively a senior left-back to facilitate Cancelo's permanent move back to the right. With Walker turning 33 at the end of the season, and with 18 months remaining on his contract, attention should soon turn to his successor at right-back. Youngster Rico Lewis is a promising talent, although it would be unfair to throw the 17-year-old into the Premier League and all the pressure that comes with City's expectations to win every game. Mark's, Manchester City are one of the most successful clubs in English football. Still, playing Stones, Ake, or even Gomez at full-back for a prolonged period is not ideal, and City will be keen not to have another season where they are only one injury away from becoming significantly weaker in two defensive positions in one swoop. The latest Man City news, transfer rumours, team news, fixtures and more from Pep Guardiola's side. When Stones returns from his own injury - which itself further reduces the cover options on the right - City will have five centre-back options, so having two to deputise at full-back could help keep all of them happy regarding the minutes they desire. Pundit cites Anthony Gordon after massive Man City transfer news Bernardo Silva staying at Man City is a massive boost for Pep Guardiola, according to Gabby Agbonlahor. Of course, City have central options who can deputise effectively on the flanks, whether it's John Stones on the right or Nathan Ake on the left. He will miss most of City's schedule before the World Cup as a best-case scenario, meaning Cancelo will be the predominant right-back and Gomez getting a run on the left. Walker generally has a good record of keeping fit, but the explosive nature of his play puts him at risk of injury. When the transfer window opens again in January, or later in the summer, the full-back issue should take priority over other areas to ensure City are better equipped to cope with injuries like Walker's going forward.ĪLSO READ: Man City youngster Rico Lewis sends ominous warning after Champions League debut However, once again, City are down to just two senior full-backs, one of which has only played that position for a year. And Sergio Gomez has offered some cover on that side to make up for the loss of Walker in the coming weeks. Much of the focus in the summer surrounded City's search for a left-back, with Joao Cancelo able to play on either side. It was always going to be a risk to go into the season with one natural right-back, so Manchester City will accept that the injury to Kyle Walker was always going to leave them short in defence.
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