MANCHESTER CITY have been handed a huge title boost with Kyle Walker’s injury not as serious as first feared.
The right-back sent shockwaves through the Etihad when he limped off for England during their 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil at Wembley.
Walker was unable to shake off a hamstring problem and was removed by Gareth Southgate after 20 minutes on Saturday.
It led to fears that he could miss City’s crunch title showdown against table toppers Arsenal on Easter Sunday.
However, Walker’s injury is not as bad as first appeared to be.
He is back at City after being ruled out of England’s friendly against Belgium tonight.
And club chiefs are keeping a close eye on his hamstring as they reckon it is tight rather than strained.
Walker will now be wrapped in cotton wool ahead of the weekend showdown with the Gunners.
And Pep Guardiola will be desperate to have one of his star players ready for the season-defining clash.
Walker has been at City since 2017 after a £50million move from Tottenham.
He’s since scored six times in 292 outings, winning five titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League.
Walker, who has 82 caps for England, is not the only City player currently being nursed back to full fitness.
Goalkeeper Ederson hopes to make a stunning return after getting injured in the 1-1 draw with fellow title hopefuls Liverpool earlier this month.
Kevin De Bruyne was also withdrawn during that match and missed the 2-0 win against Newcastle ten days ago.
But like Walker, both men could be ready to return against Arsenal, handing Guardiola a fully-fit squad to choose from.