“We have to keep going because there’s a schedule. It’s a busy schedule, every three days for god knows how long” And Pep Guardiola should also bench this player, he misses alot of big chance’s yesterday

Kyle Walker felt he had to fight his way back into the Manchester City lineup against Bournemouth to fulfill his captaincy duties.

Walker, 33, had missed the Blues’ past four games and had only trained for a few minutes on Friday before the squad left for the south coast. Nonetheless, with the club facing an injury crisis and Pep Guardiola encouraging his players to play despite the agony, Walker put his hand up to join a number of his colleagues who were also suffering from injuries but gave it their best.

City suffered their first league defeat in 11 months as they failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s lunchtime setback to Newcastle. However, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku also recovering, the side travels to Lisbon determined not to let injuries be an excuse, and Walker believes he must exhibit that approach against Bournemouth.

“We need to be ready,” he remarked. “I felt as nice as imaginable. Sometimes the captain needs to step up when I could have had a little more time, but that is no excuse.

“I was there for the guys, and full credit to everyone out there – people were playing with knocks, kicks, bruises, and pulls, demonstrating their determination and what they want to accomplish for the badge or the club.

“We need to keep going because we have a schedule. It is a hectic schedule, every three days for god knows how long. That is exactly the way football is at the moment.

“We need to stay together even more; as a captain, I must first rouse the troops and ensure that we all stick together. Those who are injured should be there for the players; those on the bench should be there for the players, and when you are on the bench, you should be ready to come on and make an impact.