Manchester City fullback Kyle Walker has been carrying injuries this season.

The Sun says Walker has been on the bench for three games after a shocker in the defeat against Crystal Palace.

But Walker, 28, has been nursing a nagging abdominal problem this season.

The England international had surgery on a problem four seasons ago and Pep wanted to manage his games this season as a precaution.

Walker was rested for games against Bournemouth and Hoffenheim last month before his errors against Palace.

He has been dropped since that defeat but came on as a sub against Southampton and Liverpool in City's last two games.