Premier League giants Manchester City have been dealt a blow on Friday, in the form of confirmation that key defender Kyle Walker will be unavailable for the club’s upcoming European fixtures.

The news comes on the back of the straight red card picked up by Walker during City’s 2-1 Champions League group stage defeat to RB Leipzig early in December.

The Englishman was spotted kicking out at Leipzig’s Andre Silva in altogether needless fashion, leaving the team of officials in charge of the fixture with little choice but to send Walker on his way:

In turn, the explosive right-back has today learned the extent of his punishment.

And UEFA have not held back, confirming that Walker has been slapped with a 3-game ban, for what was deemed upon review as ‘assault’.

The former Tottenham star will therefore be forced to sit out both legs of his side’s Last-16 clash with Portuguese heavyweights Sporting CP, as well as the first leg of the Sky Blues’ quarter-final tie (should they advance).

Citizens accept decision

Evidently, though, those in a position of power at the Etihad do not feel as though their defensive star has been subjected to an overly harsh punishment on the part of UEFA.

This comes with an insight into Man City’s stance on a potential appeal to have Walker’s ban reduced having been provided on Friday evening.

As confirmed by the reliable Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, Pep Guardiola and co. have no intention of reaching out to European football’s governing body over their decision:

 

Why Barcelona decided against signing Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling

Newcastle close on triple transfer – including Arsenal star – ahead of deadline