Pep Guardiola admits Jack Grealish's injury ahead of the Community Shield was a "blow" but has said he may be ready to face Chelsea this weekend.
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Grealish missed Manchester United clashCity won at WembleyEngland international could return this weekendWHAT HAPPENED?
Grealish was absent from the clash with United at Wembley after sustaining an injury in training before the curtain-raising showpiece. City won the game on penalties but Guardiola now says that the winger could be in contention to face Chelsea, although he is more likely to be available for their second fixture against Ipswich.
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Grealish endured a hit-and-miss season last term, as he was limited to just 10 Premier League starts. As a result, he was excluded from England's Euro 2024 squad, and will be out to make a significant impact this term.
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Guardiola told reporters: “Apparently it’s not much. In the last two days, he didn’t feel good, he had discomfort. We trained with the line-up, the starting XI and he was training but in the last two days, especially yesterday, the feeling was not good.
“We talked with the doctors and he was not fine and that’s why we didn’t want to take a risk. I don’t think it’s a big issue but he could not be here.
“It’s a blow because he did pre-season and had rhythm and was aggressive, in the third and fourth game he was really, really good and Jeremy [Doku] was on holiday,Savinhoas well.
“But it is what it is. During the season, it happens many times with discomfort and injuries. That’s why we didn’t want to take the risk.
“Maybe against Chelsea, he will be ready. I am pretty sure for Ipswich he will be ready.”
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City will hope to kick off their title defence with a victory against the Blues this weekend. Guardiola's side, of course, are aiming to win a record-extending fifth successive Premier League title.