Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Jack Grealish will be sidelined for several more weeks, ruling him out of the upcoming Manchester derby and other crucial fixtures for Manchester City.
Despite returning from a groin injury ahead of schedule, Grealish suffered a recurrence of the problem during the FA Cup win over Luton Town, forcing him off the field once again.
Guardiola expressed uncertainty about Grealish’s return timeline, suggesting that it’s unlikely he will be available before the international break later this month.
This setback not only affects City’s upcoming derby clash but also important matches against Copenhagen in the Champions League, Liverpool in the Premier League, and Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The manager emphasized the importance of Grealish’s recovery process, stating that the team must focus on utilizing him effectively once he’s fully fit.
While City will undoubtedly miss Grealish’s presence on the pitch, Guardiola highlighted the depth of the squad and the versatility of other players who can step up in his absence.
Rodri and Phil Foden are expected to play pivotal roles, with Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku, and Oscar Bobb also vying for selection.
Guardiola underscored the significance of upcoming fixtures, acknowledging the team’s hard work and dedication to reaching this stage of the season.
Despite the challenges posed by Grealish’s injury setback, Guardiola expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion and capitalize on the opportunities presented in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
