Guardiola Seeks To Lift Walker

Pep Guardiola has reportedly held talks with right-back Kyle Walker over his apparent drop in form this season.

The Manchester City and England defender returned to the starting line-up for Sunday’s 7-0 FA Cup drubbing of Championship side Rotherham, having been dropped by his manager for the previous two Premier League games against Southampton and Liverpool.

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Walker was not tested by the weekend visitors but could be given another starting opportunity on Wednesday night against Burton Albion at the Etihad in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has seen a number of errors creep into his game this season, most notably being at fault for all three goals the Citizens conceded in the shock 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace just before Christmas.

However, Guardiola sanctioned £50m for Walker and he continues to be a huge advocate for his powerful running game, although City sources have suggested the Catalan had tried to let the player get back to form before sidelining him.

The 28-year-old won the first trophies of his career last season but there is a feeling he possibly needed more rest after reaching the World Cup semi-final with England last summer.

Brazilian Danilo was injured during the opening months of the season and his return to fitness has also played a part in Guardiola’s thought process, with Walker under no illusions he must now fight to reclaim his first-team slot.