As the Premier League title battle heats up, Liverpool prepares to host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, with Pep Guardiola facing uncertainties over the availability of star player Jack Grealish.
Guardiola recently disclosed that he remains unsure about Grealish’s return to action for Manchester City. The winger, acquired for a hefty £100 million from Aston Villa in 2021, is currently sidelined due to a groin injury. Grealish aggravated his condition during City’s 3-1 Champions League triumph over Copenhagen in the first leg of the last 16 encounter.
As the reigning European champions gear up for the return leg against Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium, followed by a crucial Premier League fixture against Liverpool, Grealish’s absence poses a significant concern. With Liverpool leading Guardiola’s side by a single point in the title race, the outcome of Sunday’s clash could have substantial implications, especially with Arsenal trailing closely behind.
Unfortunately for City, Grealish will not be part of the squad for the Anfield showdown. Guardiola emphasized this ahead of the Copenhagen match, stating, “Selection all depends on how people recover from the last game. That’s all. We will take a selection tomorrow morning. It’s really important to be focused. Jack is not ready. I don’t know [when he will be available].”
Expressing doubts about Grealish’s return before the upcoming international break, Guardiola added, “I don’t think [he will be back before the internationals]. I haven’t spoken to the doctors, but I think he has to recover well to use him as much as possible.”
Furthermore, concerns deepened as Jeremy Doku was notably absent from training ahead of the Copenhagen encounter. Since joining City from Rennes for £55 million last summer, Doku has made significant contributions with six goals and five assists, making his potential absence a further blow to Guardiola’s squad.
