The options regarding a potential selection dilemma ahead of Sevilla

Games are coming thick and fast as the Champions League kicks off for Manchester City on Tuesday evening, however, they go into the game with an injury doubt.

Kyle Walker came off in the draw against Aston Villa on Saturday with Pep Guardiola confirming that he sustained an injury for his departure.

Many thought the change was tactical as the right-back endured another tough afternoon after wasting a glorious early chance to put the Blues ahead, however it was later revealed it wasn’t.

Injury news from the manager is normally tightlipped with the area or type of injury unknown to him and us, given that he hadn’t seen the physio team in the short turnaround from the final whistle to the post-match interview.

There is more of a chance of a diagnosis coming in the Champions League press conference today, with the English international availability become more clearer then.

We work with the assumption that Walker will be not stepping on the plane to Seville and featuring in the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Given that the squad is thin with fullbacks an area of concern, we will look at the permutations of what Guardiola could consider on Tuesday.

Stones in at right-back and Cancelo at left-back

This was the tactic used following the substitution at Villa Park with Nathan Ake returning from injury himself and slotting in at left centre back, with the original centre back pairing shifting to the right one.

Now, I have a problem with Stones at right back due to his discomfort despite multiple performances in the past as he is an out-an-out centre back. He trained there at Everton and Barnsley, so we should forget about any conversion.

Stones is someone who can be caught in possession quite easily when bringing the ball out from defence and doesn’t have the natural pace required to deal with speedy wingers. He is unfamiliar with full-pack position, especially if Pep decides to position him in midfield when in possession.

Cancelo in at right back and Ake/Gomez left-back

My favoured option given Cancelo’s favoured flank, and Ake or Sergio Gomez being comfortable on the left.

I initially predicted Cancelo would have been rested for this game given that he’s started them all but with Walker’s injury, he will need to slot in at right back.

Isco and Erik Lamela played on the wings against Barcelona at the weekend, and despite what they lack in pure pace, they sure make up for the creativity in the wide areas. This will be our strongest option should Sevilla go with Isco and Lamela, or bring in Suso.

This option helps our fluidity going forward also.

Bring Rico Lewis in

The young right-back will certainly be given a test should he start in a hostile atmosphere and heat in southern Spain.

Pep will no doubt not risk this option, purely basing it around the 17-year-old’s confidence should it go wrong tomorrow.

A more likely option is to substitute him into action when the game has been sealed up.

Us City fans will be cheering once any news confirms the non-seriousness of Walker’s injury and immediate return, but trust in Pep will continue strong as our campaign to win the Champions League starts.