Kyle Walker a World Cup doubt with abdominal injury

Kyle Walker's World Cup place could be at risk as the England and Manchester City defender faces a spell on the sidelines with an abdominal injury.

Walker missed City's 5-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night and afterwards Pep Guardiola said he was unable to put a timespan on how long the 32-year-old will be out for, with only six weeks until the start of the World Cup.

"It’s something abdominal and he will be a while out," Guardiola said. "I don’t know (how long). I cannot say anything else.

"Kyle will be out for a bit. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully 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 right now."

Erling Haaland scored twice to take his tally to for City to 19 in 12 just appearances and his career Champions League record to 28 in 22.

Spanish media reported this week that there is a release clause in Haaland's City contract that is exclusive to Real Madrid and gives the LaLiga giants a massive advantage if they want to buy him.

Guardiola, however, inisted that there was no such clause.

"It is not true," he said. "He does not have a release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. Rumours, people talk.

"We have to be worried about what we can control. I have the feeling he is very happy here and we will try to make people happy here. He is settled perfectly, incredibly beloved."

Joao Cancelo started at right-back for City on Wednesday with Sergio Gomez on the opposite flank, but in the second half Guardiola introduced two teenage full-backs – first the 17-year-old Rico Lewis at right-back, then Josh Wilson-Esbrand, 19, on the left.

Both impressed, earning applause from Guardiola on the