Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed that Jack Grealish will be absent from his team’s upcoming clash against Chelsea in the league on Saturday (February 17).
Grealish sustained an injury during the first half of City’s 3-1 victory against Copenhagen in the initial leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie. His playing time was cut short, lasting a mere 21 minutes before he was substituted by Jeremy Doku on Tuesday (February 13) evening at Parken.
Despite a stellar performance in the 2022-23 season, Grealish has faced challenges this season, managing three goals and two assists in 26 appearances across various competitions. Although he has been a consistent starter in the Champions League, the 28-year-old has only begun seven out of 14 league games.
Guardiola expressed his disappointment over Grealish’s injury following the triumph against Copenhagen, stating (via Metro), “Looks like a muscular [injury] for Jack Grealish.
It is a pity. He helped us to play at the right tempo. He felt it when he rolled on the grass. They know.”
Furthermore, Guardiola confirmed Grealish’s absence for the Chelsea encounter, mentioning, “[Jack] will have a test tomorrow. He will be [ruled] out, yeah. It’s a pity because in the last few days, his mood in training sessions has been much, much better, and he has played really good.”
Grealish played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphant continental treble last season, contributing five goals and 11 assists in 50 games across competitions.
In the absence of the former Aston Villa captain, the reigning Premier League champions will face Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues without one of their key players. Manchester City is currently embroiled in a tight title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, sitting second, trailing Jürgen Klopp’s side by two points with a game in hand.
