Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that right-back Kyle Walker is set to miss Wednesday's Champions League tie with Copenhagen due to injury.
The 32-year-old was withdrawn towards the end of the first half in City's 6-3 derby victory over Manchester United on Sunday with discomfort in his lower leg.
Shortly after full time, Walker provided a positive update on his injury, posting on Instagram: "Brilliant by everyone today. Gutted to come off injured, hopefully it isn't too bad. Thanks for all the support today."
However, Guardiola has revealed that the England international is expected to miss Wednesday's clash with Copenhagen, while midfielder Rodri is doubtful after sustaining an injury in their final training session before the win over United.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola said: "We will train this afternoon and we will know exactly. Rodri feels better, but Kyle, I think is out. But we have training later."
John Stones is also ruled out with a hamstring injury and is set for up to two weeks on the sidelines, while Kalvin Phillips is unlikely to return until November after undergoing shoulder surgery last month.
The absence of Walker will likely see Joao Cancelo switch over to right-back against Copenhagen as he did against Man United in the second half.
As for Stones, Guardiola is not short for options at centre-back, with Aymeric Laporte one of four central defenders available for Wednesday's game.
Laporte has been recovering from knee surgery for much of this season, but the 28-year-old made his first appearance off the bench against United and he will be battling with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake for a start against Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, with Phillips ruled out and Rodri potentially absent in midweek, Ilkay Gundogan could be handed another start in a slightly deeper midfield role.
Man City currently sit top of Group G in the Champions League after claiming maximum points against both Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola has reiterated the importance of playing at the Etihad Stadium and he is keen to edge his side closer to qualification for the knockout rounds with a victory on Wednesday against a side that he has admittedly studied a lot over the last few days.
When asked to share his thoughts on City's busy fixture schedule, Guardiola said: "It is what it is, we have to pay attention. A mistake now you don't have time to recover.
"With the World Cup the schedule is like this, we have to adapt. We know how important our home games are.
"I spend last night and today watching Copenhagen. They are really good, well organised. You have to come back to the reality and put our effort to win an important game. Nine points in three games we'd be so close."
City's last meeting against Copenhagen was back in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup when they secured a 4-3 aggregate victory in the last 32 under former boss Mark Hughes. body check tags ::
