:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32379519/180242006.0.jpg)
When late-season injuries occur, its not met with the kind of interest you'd expect had it happened in the middle of the season. Perhaps due to the fact that the season is about to end, fans may casually dismissed it with the casual tone of "eh, he'll be back in the preseason" or "We'll probably sign someone to cover for him", as football heads to the offseason. However, in a World Cup year such as this one, late season injuries have a major ripple effect for clubs, countries, and players.
With the news that Andros Townsend will miss the World Cup with an ankle injury, another particularly worrying news has come to light. This time surrounding Kyle Walker, who has been absent since March with a pelvic injury. At the time, Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood is confident that Kyle will be fit for the World Cup. Now, there is a major doubt surrounding his fitness, and this is what Roy Hodgson has to say (per BBC Sport):
"We haven't been told for certain that he will be out for the next six to 10 weeks but we are concerned."
"I know he has had another injection. We are waiting to find out whether that helps. He has not been fit for a long time."
Its clear that at this moment, there is bit of uncertainty regarding Kyle's recovery, the fact that he needed an injection is probably not a good sign as its probably meant to speed up the recovery process. The timeline mentioned above would also automatically scratch Kyle's name out of England's squad for the World Cup, as a six to 10 weeks absence will sideline him until mid-June (right around the start of World Cup) or until mid-July (basically right at the end of the tournament). This might press Roy Hodgson to look for other names in place of Kyle (Perhaps shifting Chris Smalling or Phil Jones at right back, or Merseyside youngsters such as John Stones and Jon Flanagan maybe?)
England has been hit with the news of Jay Rodriguez's ACL injury and Townsend's ankle injury effectively ruling them out of the World Cup. But to be fair, both players aren't automatic starters and will probably come off the bench. Kyle on the other hand, can be pencilled in as England's starting right back having usurped the spot from Glen Johnson. Now, Hodgson (and England) must wait on Kyle's recovery. With Hodgson set to name his provisional squad on May 12th, Kyle is facing a race against time to be fit.
Loading comments...