Pep Guardiola has confirmed it's "likely" England internationals Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips will be fit for this year's World Cup.
Phillips, 26, has played just one Premier League game for Manchester City since his summer transfer from Leeds due to a shoulder injury. Walker, 32, underwent groin surgery at the beginning of October after picking up a complaint in the Manchester Derby.
Both players were viewed serious doubts for the tournament in Qatar this time last month, but Guardiola's comments on Tuesday afternoon is a huge boost to Gareth Southgate. Both players were part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2020.
"It's likely [they can be ready], the way they recover," Guardiola told reporters. "I don't know intentions for Gareth. He spoke with them regularly. They know better than me, What I hear in the dressing rooms can be ready. You don't play a World Cup every week."
Perhaps the big question is whether Walker and Phillips will be match fit. City have just four games left to play before the tournament starts and neither player will be involved in the first of those games against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
Phillips, Walker and Guardiola will have to decide whether to risk making an appearance against Fulham, Chelsea or Brentford. Southgate will also be making a gamble if he picks either player, considering how little football they've played of late.
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Walker is one of England's most experienced players with 70 senior caps and a certain pick for the World Cup if fit due to his versality. He's capable of playing at right-back or on the right of a back three, allowing Southgate to choose from multiple formations.
Walker has represented England at three major tournaments - Euro 2016, the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 - and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the latter event. He was also part of the squad that finished third in the inaugural Nations League.
Phillips is less experienced, but he's also an important member of the squad. The midfielder has won 23 senior caps and was named England's Player of the Year in 2021 - a huge achievement considering that was the year they reached the final of Euro 2020.
England's tournament opener is against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21. All Three Lions starts will be hoping to stay fit in the final few games before the tournament, as it's the first time there are no warm-up games beforehand.
Emile Smith Rowe, who wasn't expected to be picked, will not be involved after undergoing groin surgery and Reece James is very unlikely to be fit after suffering a knee injury in October. Bukayo Saka is also a doubt after picking up an ankle injury two days ago.
The good news for Southgate is Harry Maguire and John Stones have both returned from muscle injuries. Every manager at this year's World Cup will be worried about injuries and it's likely each team will be without a few regular picks.
