Manchester City’s Champions League Hopes Soar as Key Player Expected to Be Fit for Showdown Against Real Madrid in Quarter-Final Encounter, According to Reports

Manchester City’s prospects in the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid have received a significant boost with the news that star defender Kyle Walker is set to return to action. Walker, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, is expected to be fit for the crucial clash on April 17, according to reports from Diario AS.

The Englishman last played for Manchester City in their FA Cup quarter-final victory against Newcastle United but suffered an injury while representing England in a friendly against Brazil. His absence has been felt during City’s recent matches, including the first leg against Real Madrid, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Despite missing several games, Walker has been a key player for City this season, contributing three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. However, with the 33-year-old approaching the latter stages of his career, City are already eyeing potential replacements, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong emerging as a long-term target.

Frimpong, who has excelled as a right wing-back under manager Xabi Alonso, has attracted attention across Europe due to his impressive performances, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in 36 appearances for Leverkusen. Although City currently have Walker as their first-choice right back, they see Frimpong as a future star in that position and are willing to meet his £34 million release clause to secure his services before the UEFA Euro 2024 begins.