Manchester City are hoping for the fitness of the key player for the clash with Real Madrid

Manchester City beat Real Madrid at the Etihad last season, and a big part of the reason for that was the excellent play that Kyle Walker had against the Brazilian. However, Pep Guardiola can be without the player called “anti-Vinicius” or the first stop at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Walker, 33, has been battling a hamstring problem he picked up with England in March, and has missed their last two games against Arsenal and Aston Villa. ESPN they say he will also miss their game this weekend against Crystal Palace, but he has not yet been ruled out for the Real Madrid clash, although it is an uphill battle.

Guardiola believes Walker is key to stopping the Brazilian, and will give him the time he needs to recover before making a decision on whether he can be fit in time. If the veteran defenseman doesn't return in time, 19-year-old Rico Lewis will play instead. It was impressive, but it provides an entirely different skill set to Walker.

Real Madrid will no doubt try to stick City on the bench where possible, and with Walker on top of Vinicius, that has become difficult last season. Lewis could perhaps give Los Blancos more to think about going the other way, but is unlikely to be left one-on-one with Vinicius, meaning the reigning champions will be forced to change their plan.