Jack Grealish was named on Manchester City’s bench for Saturday night’s game against Bournemouth after making an early comeback from the sidelines.
The 28-year-old was sent off early in the first leg of City’s Champions League round of 16 match against FC Copenhagen last week, with Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil on the keeper’s scoresheet. – Foden was named.
Grealish, who starred in City’s historic treble campaign last season, was appointed by Guardiola after signing Jeremy Dok in the summer and following strong performances from the likes of Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez in the attacking line. He has been in and out of the starting lineup repeatedly.
However, the England attacker often features in crucial moments for the Premier League champions, starting last week’s Round of 16 first leg in Denmark, but was substituted in the first half with a groin injury. .
The former Aston Villa captain has since missed City’s recent games against Brentford and Chelsea, but returned to training ahead of the Blues’ narrow win over Bournemouth at Dean Court.
Guardiola told Sky Sports before City’s 1-0 win over the Cherries: At the press conference he was a little surprised because he didn’t expect Grealish to be involved. It’s important that he comes back.”
Grealish’s return gives City a completely new outlet on the left, in contrast to Doc and Foden, who has been one of the most important personnel in Guardiola’s attack since the start of the season.
If he recovers quickly, the £100m man could very well be fully available for the Manchester derby on March 3, as Manchester City aim to win their fourth straight Premier League title and conquer Europe again this season.
