sport news Gareth Southgate dealt major injury blow with Kyle Walker a doubt after ... trends now

Gareth Southgate has been dealt a major injury blow with Kyle Walker a doubt after undergoing groin surgery... with Harry Maguire facing another two weeks out, what other defensive options do England have? England have been hit by injury problems in defence ahead of the World Cup Right back Kyle Walker is a doubt after undergoing surgery on his groin Centre back Harry Maguire is also expected to be out for another two weeks With the tournament approaching, Sportsmail examines the remaining options

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:30 BST, 6 October 2022 | Updated: 00:55 BST, 7 October 2022

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England boss Gareth Southgate's defensive plans for the World Cup have taken a hit, with Kyle Walker a major doubt after having groin surgery and Harry Maguire facing another two weeks out.

Sportsmail revealed on Thursday that Walker had the procedure this week. It was also confirmed that Kalvin Phillips had an operation on a shoulder injury, making him a doubt for Qatar, too.

Walker hopes to prove his fitness but, as the minimum recovery period from the operation is six weeks, he is in a race against time. England's tournament starts against Iran on November 21.

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

Maguire is set to be out for another 10-14 days after suffering a hamstring injury in England's draw with Germany. But Walker's potential absence in Qatar should solidify the United man's place.

Walker is one of Southgate's guaranteed starters, regardless of system. In a back