Jack Grealish was ruled out of Manchester City’s latest victory against Manchester United on penalties in the FA Community Shield through injury.
Considering Grealish was a mainstay for City during pre-season, he seemed set to start against Erik ten Hag’s side.
However, due to the £100 million man’s injury, Jeremy Doku was asked to occupy the left-wing position from the off.
The Englishman, on the other hand, was excluded from Manchester City’s matchday squad.
The 28-year-old had suffered several injuries last season and ahead of the Manchester Derby, misfortune struck him once again.
Guardiola reveals the extent of latest Grealish injury
Grealish aimed to disprove his doubters ahead of City’s defeat to Barcelona in pre-season; a statement he made before a game where he went on to get on the score sheet.
After impressing with his displays in the United States, the former Aston Villa attacker would have been hoping to make his mark against the Red Devils.
However, that was not to be for the three-time Premier League winner.
The good news for Manchester City is that Pep Guardiola has revealed that the injury sustained by Grealish is not too serious.
On Grealish being ruled out of the Community Shield, Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “I don’t think it’s a big issue but [he] could not be here.”
The Catalan added: “It’s a small blow because he played all the [pre] season and did the rhythm and was aggressive. The third or fourth game, he was really, really good and Jeremy [Doku] was in holidays, just [in training] two, three days, Savinho as well.”
Pep Guardiola went on to claim that while Grealish could be fit to face Chelsea, he is guaranteed to be in contention to play a part against Ipswich Town.
“So, it is what it is, during the season, happens many times, that. Discomfort, injuries, try to assess as much as possible. That’s why we didn’t want to take a risk and maybe against Chelsea, he will be ready or I’m pretty sure against Ipswich Town, he will be ready.”
Guardiola hinted that if a risk was taken with Grealish’s injury, he could have been sidelined for a significant spell.
“Otherwise, he’s injured till now, three weeks or a month, is out of the position.”
Best not to rush Jack Grealish despite Chelsea game looming
Grealish would likely be determined to be fit to play against a top side like Chelsea in Manchester City’s first game of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
But it would be best for the England international and City not to rush him on his way back to full fitness.
Grealish will need to be fit to be able to bounce back from a disappointing third season at the Etihad Stadium.
While Pep Guardiola will especially be relying on the decorated winger as the likes of Jeremy Doku and Savinho will be working their way to full match fitness after being handed extended summer breaks.
As a result, the focus should be on ensuring Grealish is fully fit rather than pushing him to be available and in turn, potentially aggravating his injury.
