sport news England and Man City defender Kyle Walker has surgery on his groin injury trends now BREAKING NEWS: Kyle Walker has surgery on his groin injury, leaving England's first-choice defender as a major doubt for the World Cup in a nightmare for Gareth Southgate Kyle Walker faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the World Cup Man City right-back has undergone surgery on a groin injury this week He went off during Sunday's 6-3 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Walker, 32, missed Wednesday night's 5-0 victory over FC Copenhagen His absence presents a headache for Gareth Southgate as he finalises his squad By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline Published: 11:31 BST, 6 October 2022 | Updated: 11:40 BST, 6 October 2022 1 Viewcomments Kyle Walker is a major doubt for the World Cup after undergoing groin surgery this week. The Manchester City star missed Wednesday night's Champions League win over Copenhagen and after the game Pep Guardiola said: 'He will be a while out 'I don't know [how long]. I cannot say anything else. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully he can get back like Kalvin [Phillips]. Kyle Walker is a doubt for England's World Cup campaign after he underwent surgery on a groin problem having left the field during Manchester City's win over Man United on Sunday Walker has excelled and been an integral part of Southgate's side over recent years 'I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don't know right now.' The news will come as a major worry to England boss to Gareth Southgate given Walker's huge importance to his plans. Privately, there remains hope that the right-back can prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup. The Man City defender's injury provides another selection headache for Gareth Southgate But nevertheless, the fact Walker has to recover from surgery places huge doubt over his involvement in the tournament. No definitive timeframe has been placed on his return but it is clear Walker is now in a race against time to make England's World Cup squad. The Three Lions open their campaign against Iran on November 21 with Southgate required to submit his squad of between 23 and 26 players by November 13. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility