Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has played down fears he could miss the Champions League final with Inter Milan due to a back injury.
The 33-year-old was substituted in the stoppage time of City’s 2-1 success over Manchester United in the FA Cup final last weekend.
He looked in discomfort as he left the Wembley Stadium pitch, with Aymeric Laporte replacing the experienced defender for the final moments.
The England international also missed Tuesday’s training session, sparking fears he could miss the European final in Istanbul. However, Walker has allayed the injury fears.
“I’m fine, I’m just getting old,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m completely fine – it’s just an extra day of recovery.
“I’ve played a lot of minutes over the last number of weeks so the manager said, ‘Just stay inside and come Saturday you will be raring to go’.
“I’m fine – the minutes that I’ve played when everyone else was injured, I was there digging my heels in and getting through it. I won’t be missing the Champions League final for anything.”
Walker has been a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, featuring in 38 matches across all competitions.
Losing him for the final would be a big blow, but he should recover in time to play the crucial game at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
Man City are on the cusp of completing a glorious treble of trophies this season, having already claimed the Premier League and FA Cup.
They have never won the Champions League in the past, despite arguably having the best manager and squad in the world.
City are the favourites against Inter on Saturday, but the Serie A giants boast the greater European pedigree and are capable of springing a surprise.
Guardiola has faced criticism for overthinking in big games, which arguably cost them the 2021 Champions League final against Chelsea.
However, he will likely not tinker too much this time, and that should see them win the final against Inter.
