Kyle Walker is recovering well in hospital after dislocating an eyelash during a clash with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The Manchester City defender underwent a complicated 3-hour procedure to reattach the eyelid hair and is expected to make a full recovery.
Walker fell to the ground after going head-to-head with Hojlund during yesterday’s derby defeat by rivals United.
It’s believed the eyelash became dislodged during the incident and Walker was rushed to hospital by ambulance immediately after the game.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Walker said, ‘I’m just grateful to be alive’.
‘I haven’t seen any replays, but people are telling me it’s worse than Dida’s against Celtic.
On the operation, the 34-year-old said, ‘the doctors said it was touch and go whether they could salvage the eyelash’.
‘But they reckon there’s no permanent damage to my blink reflex and that most of my pain is emotional’.
Asked if he had a message for the fans, the former Tottenham star said ‘I will come back stronger from this’.
Meanwhile, Paddy Power News understands the Premier League are considering imposing a lifetime ban on Hojlund over the incident.
‘It was one of the most vicious brushing of foreheads we’ve ever witnessed’, claimed a Premier League source.
‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kyle Walker at this time’.
In related news, Manchester City have made tentative enquiries about bringing former boss Frank Clarke back to the club.
The 81-year-old is seen as the ideal replacement for under-fire boss Pep Guardiola who has lost 8 of his last 11 games.
‘Frank has experience of managing in the lower leagues which will prove invaluable when we’re relegated for being cheating b******s’, a City source told us.
It’s understood that Clarke will attempt to coax former City striker Lee Bradbury out of retirement should he take the job.
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