Considering the 2024/2025 Premier League season started a month ago, not every player is not fully fit at this moment of time.
With Manchester City having as many as 14 players at Euro 2024, it is natural that several of their stalwarts are feeling their way back to full fitness.
Regardless, Pep Guardiola has managed to get the best out of his team — with a refreshed Erling Haaland leading the charge with seven goals in three league games.
But Guardiola told Optus Sport after Manchester City’s 3-1 win against West Ham United that in his view, the first three matches of the season can be considered pre-season as his side were playing one game a week.
Upon the resumption of club football, the Sky Blues players’ fitness levels will be tested as the games will be coming thick and fast across all competitions.
Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his players can avoid any knocks or injuries as he will try to give playing time to a majority of his squad during this period.
Jack Grealish provides fitness update after England beat Ireland
Otherwise, City could be at risk of falling behind in the Premier League title race, potentially being eliminated out of a cup competition or struggling in the Champions League.
However, Manchester City have often been handed the chance of competing across all fronts and while it has not always been smooth sailing, the club have managed to find a way to remain competitive.
Jack Grealish is a player who only started his second game of the 2024/2025 season against the Republic of Ireland — as an early-season injury stopped him in his tracks after his encouraging performances in pre-season.
However, the £300,000-a-week man grabbed a crucial goal for the Three Lions in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday and earned rave reviews for his showing.
Lee Carsley hailed Grealish after his performance as well.
But in the aftermath of the contest, Grealish provided ITV Sport with a fitness update: “Going back to myself, I need to start playing regularly, scoring goals and that’s what I did today. I still felt, I’m not 100% fit fit but I am getting there, so from a personal point of view, I’m happy.”
Jack Grealish should feel much fitter after the international break
For a player to feel fully fit, it is vital for them to get a run of games under their belt.
If Grealish starts against Finland next or even comes off the bench, he will have played consistent minutes ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming contest against Brentford.
It seems likely that the 28-year-old will be fully fit by then and if he does earn a start against the Bees, he will be hoping to make a serious impression.
Grealish will be aware more than most that during the early stages of the season, it is natural not to feel at one’s best in terms of their fitness.
But sooner rather than later, it is important to gain full fitness to deliver on the pitch.
The Manchester City attacker will have to impress in training to earn frequent starts after the international break.
