Manchester City are set to be without both Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne at the Club World Cup, with manager Pep Guardiola delivering an update on Walker's involvement
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Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola will lead Manchester City in the Club World Cup this summer
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker will not feature for Manchester City at this summer's Club World Cup, with the defender currently out on loan at AC Milan. City are one of two Premier League clubs taking part in the expanded tournament along with Chelsea.
City's first game will see them take on Moroccan club Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18 and Walker could feature for his parent club. However, Guardiola simply replied "nope" when asked if Walker will be part of City's squad at the Club World Cup.
Milan do have an option to make the move permanent this summer and it appears they are keen to do that, with Walker notably helping the club unveil their new kit for next season.
Kevin De Bruyne has also confirmed he is unlikely to extend his stay at City to play in the tournament. The playmaker is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June, which is midway through the event.
"I think in a way I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do? Nobody's going to take care of me at that point," De Bruyne said after the FA Cup final.
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"So there's a big chance probably that I won't play it, but I don't know. I'm just a player. I don't make the rules, I can't do anything about it. So in the end, like I said, I'll probably have to take care of myself."
De Bruyne has previously admitted he was "surprised" by City's decision not to offer him a new deal, stating back in April: "I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it.
"Honestly I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions. Maybe if the team didn't struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision.
"I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I'm not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job. I'm open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has also said he is unlikely to play at the tournament
"I like to play football. I like to compete. That's what I feel so I can't say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I'm in training I want to beat the guys. I feel like I'm doing really well and that's why I've also played a lot lately."
De Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS, but he has also suggested he could remain in England. He told Sky Sports : "I want to play good football, whatever the decision will be...
"I know you're trying to guess where I'm going to go, but I will make my decision, and you guys will know when I know. I don't know [whether I'll stay in the Premier League], it depends on what comes. Like I said to my Belgium colleagues, I have a family. I have young kids I have to take care of, it's a decision that has to suit all of us, not just me.
"When I'm 20 years old and all by myself, I can make a decision, that is very easy. But now it's a bit more complex. Of course. [You can expect to hear a decision] whenever I'm ready to make one. As long as I don't know, I can't tell you anything."
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