Pep Guardiola issues key fitness update on England duo ahead of imminent World Cup squad announcement

Pep Guardiola has issued a promising update on the fitness of Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips.

The England duo are both fighting to be in contention to feature in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, taking place in Qatar next month.

Both Walker and Phillips underwent successful operations as a result of their injuries and are currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Walker had an operation on a groin injury sustained during the Manchester Derby.

Meanwhile Phillips had to undergo surgery due to a recurring shoulder injury.

Injury has dominated the midfielders start to life at the Etihad Stadium, after the 26 year-old completed a £42 million move from Leeds United in the summer.

Phillips has featured on just three occasions for the Sky Blues, with his last appearance coming against Borussia Dortmund in September.

Injury has also plagued Walker's start to the campaign, with the integral right-back featuring on just eight occasions for Pep Guardiola.

Both players are to miss Saturday’s trip to the King Power to face Leicester City, but could still make the England World Cup squad, if selected by Gareth Southgate.

"They are getting better, Kalvin especially, but they are both out," said Guardiola ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Midlands.

"They are positive, optimistic, they are in touch with Gareth [Southgate]. I don't know, hopefully they can be ready to be selected."

Asked specifically about Phillips' chances of featuring in the Middle East this winter, the City boss said: "He feels really well, his mobility in his shoulder is perfect. He has to avoid contact with his teammates at the moment.

"If he is fit and I believe he can play then maybe he can make some minutes [before the World Cup]."

Manchester City have five matches remaining before the World Cup, featuring in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Gareth Southgate is widely expected the name his 26-man squad before the Premier League pause, although the official submission date is November 13th.

Upto five City stars could feature for England this winter, with Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips all in contention to be selected.

With the start of the tournament nearing, Guardiola was also asked whether players had become nervous about the risk of getting injured.

"I would say no, because I am not in the mind of the players. I can't talk on this subject. I am pretty sure they have on eye on World Cup.

"Unfortunately many many players got injured and will miss the World Cup, it's a big blow for them.

"But I don't know - it's just two weeks before the end, so now it's the last effort [to be ready], to not get injuries and to be focused and play to maximum in the games. When you lose your attention is when you are at risk [of getting injured]."