The reason behind Kyle Walker's surprise omission from Manchester City's matchday squad for Saturday's FA Cup clash against minnows Salford has been revealed as Pep Guardiola cast doubt over the star's future. Walker was not named in City's team that arrived at the Etihad to take on Gary Neville and Class of 92' backed Salford who were hoping to cause a shock third round upset in the competition.
![[Walker has suffered a difficult run of form at City during the side's end of year struggles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/18/93995167-14274171-image-a-3_1736621702450.jpg)
The 34-year-old suffered a career-worst patch of form at City during the side's end of year struggles and now finds himself on the periphery of Guardiola's squad. Walker has managed nine starts in 15 Premier League games for City this season, but has dropped out of the team in recent weeks.
![[Pep Guardiola appeared to cast doubt over Walker's future at the club amid Saudi Arabia links]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/18/93995181-14274171-image-a-4_1736621786495.jpg)
He was expected to be given a chance to regain some confidence in the FA Cup clash with lower league rivals, Salford. However, the City captain was instead amongst a number of names dropped for the encounter despite Guardiola revealing that the England international is fully fit to play.
![[Walker has dropped out of Man City's side amid the club captain's dip in from this season]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/18/93995163-14274171-image-a-5_1736621792081.jpg)
The reason behind Kyle Walker s surprise omission from Man City's squad has been revealed. Walker has suffered a difficult run of form at City during the side's end of year struggles. Pep Guardiola appeared to cast doubt over Walker's future at the club amid Saudi Arabia links.
The City head coach instead explained Walker's absence was 'tactical' as his side sought to kick-start their FA Cup journey having reached the final in consecutive years. Questions have swirled surrounding Walker's future in Manchester amidst issues both on and off the field and the right-back has been linked with a potential move to join a Saudi Pro League side.
