Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker's inclusion for Manchester City vs Real Madrid is a risk amid his touch-and-go fitness issues.
Guardiola recalled Walker to the City squad for the first time since the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Atletico Madrid, and he will be tasked with keeping Vinicius Junior quieter than his goalscoring performance in last week's clash at the Etihad. Cancelo returns to left-back after being suspended for the first leg.
Walker had been doubtful before this game, with City assessing his fitness on Wednesday, but Guardiola said Walker declared himself fit and he opted to take a risk at the Bernabeu by including him.
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"He will try it. We spoke yesterday, he said 'I'm ready' and he's an important player for us," Guardiola said.
When asked if Walker's return against Vinicius was a risk, Guardiola replied: "I'm not a guy who likes to risk but there are moments in a season you have to risk, this is one of them."
And regarding Real's selection, where Casemiro returned and Rodrygo dropped to the bench, Guardiola said: "It will be different in different moments. Moments to defend, transitions, [I expect] an open game. We expect this selection."
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