Jack Grealish returns to Villa Park on Saturday evening to face his former side Aston Villa after recovering from injury, but the 26-year-old is unlikely to start as he hasn’t been in the best form this season.
Grealish picked up a knock in training that caused him to miss Manchester City’s last three games, so he’ll be short of match fitness. Pep Guardiola said he’s been training well this week, however, so he’ll hope to get some minutes against his old club.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Pep said in Friday’s pre-match press conference: “Jack trained (Thursday) and trained really well.” The England international has made three appearances in all competitions this season, failing to score or make an assist. In Grealish’s absence, City have scored 13 goals in three games, so they aren’t missing him.
Phil Foden (6 apps, 1 goal, 3 assists) and Bernardo Silva (6 apps, 2 goals, 2 assists) started out wide in City’s 6-0 win over Nottingham Forest, so Guardiola isn’t likely to change the pair for someone who is lacking form and match fitness.
Seven players have already had a hand in more goals than the 26-year-old this season too, so Grealish desperately needs to get off the mark. Riyad Mahrez was dropped for not making an impact and the same will go for Jack.
In other news, Pep Guardiola reveals Man City injury boost ahead of Aston Villa clash