Manchester City has been dealt a significant injury blow as their star player, Jack Grealish, is set to miss the upcoming Premier League match with Chelsea. The news was confirmed by Manchester City's boss, Pep Guardiola.
Grealish sustained an injury during the first half of City's 3-1 victory against Copenhagen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie. He was on the field for only 21 minutes before being replaced by Jeremy Doku on Tuesday (February 13) night at Parken.
The England international has had a challenging season following his impressive performance in the 2022-23 campaign. Despite managing three goals and two assists in 26 games across competitions this season, he has started just seven out of fourteen league games. However, he has been a regular starter in the Champions League matches.
Guardiola was visibly disappointed with after Copenhagen game
Grealish's injury comes as a significant setback for both Manchester City and himself. Guardiola expressed his disappointment over losing such an influential player after their win against Copenhagen.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said:
"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."
"[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."
Despite ruling out Grealish from participating in this weekend’s clash with Chelsea, Guardiola remains hopeful about his team’s performance.
Grealish is key to Man City’s Premier League and UCL dreams
Grealish played an integral role in leading Manchester City to win the continental treble last season. He scored five goals and provided eleven assists across fifty games throughout various competitions.
The reigning Premier League champions will face Mauricio Pochettino's Blues without their former Aston Villa captain. Currently engaged in a three-horse title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, they are second-placed but trail Jurgen Klopp's men by two points while having a game in hand.
Grealish's absence from the upcoming Chelsea clash is a significant blow for Manchester City. However, it will be interesting to see how the team adapts and performs without one of their key players.
