Manchester City are facing a fresh blow in their pursuit of Premier League glory as Jack Grealish might be sidelined for crucial upcoming matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
The setback comes at a critical juncture in the season, with City set to clash with Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday and a visit to Anfield on March 10th, both pivotal in the title race.
Grealish, a key player for Pep Guardiola, returned from a groin injury in the FA Cup fifth round against Luton Town but was forced off the pitch after only 38 minutes, raising concerns about another spell on the sidelines.
This adds to City’s injury challenges, with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland already dealing with long-term absences and John Stones facing consistency issues due to injuries.
The 28-year-old Grealish had initially suffered the groin problem during a Champions League match against FC Copenhagen in February.
Despite initial hopes that he would only miss a few days, his return has been marred by setbacks.
In Tuesday’s FA Cup clash against Luton, City had a commanding 1-3 lead in the first half, thanks to Erling Haaland’s hat-trick and Kevin De Bruyne’s three assists.
However, Grealish’s premature exit dampened the victory, highlighting the challenges Guardiola’s side is facing in their quest for three trophies this season.
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Grealish’s Injury Clouds Guardiola’s Plans
Last season, Grealish played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, making 50 appearances and starting 41 games.
Guardiola is also grappling with the absence of defender Josko Gvardiol, recovering from ankle ligament damage.
Erling Haaland’s stellar performance with a historic five-goal spree secured City’s quarter-final berth in the FA Cup, but Grealish’s setback leaves Guardiola with uncertainties ahead of the crucial Manchester United fixture.
Guardiola expressed concern, stating,
“It’s been a tough season for him; he has to recover well.”
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As City aim to navigate through the FA Cup and the Premier League, Grealish’s potential absence poses a significant challenge.
His past standout performances against rivals like Manchester United underscore the impact his absence could have on the team’s dynamics, making his recovery timeline crucial for Guardiola’s strategic plans.
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