Jack Grealish misses Manchester City's tour despite returning to training

According toBBC.

Background

Jack Grealish, who was the former Aston Villa captain, faces major challenges at Manchester City after his injury. As his 31st birthday approaches, he will have to prove himself again under a new coach, with Enzo Maresca looking to reintegrate him into the team or make a decision on his future.

Why is this important?

Jack Grealish's absence from Manchester City's tour of Asia increases uncertainty about his future with the club. The foot injury he suffered during his loan spell with Everton may affect his chances of returning to the starting lineup, especially as his contract enters the final year. Also, the good performance expected from other players such as Erling Haaland may increase the pressure on Grealish to prove himself.

Key points

• Jack Grealish misses Manchester City's tour despite returning to training.
• Jack Grealish has been ruled out of Manchester City's tour of Asia due to a foot injury, adding to the uncertainty over his future with the club.
• Jack Grealish misses Man City tour despite training return - BBC Sport.


Manchester City returned to pre-season training last week, with midfielder Jack Grealish spotted among the players attending training. But immediate hopes of seeing the 30-year-old in a City shirt again were dashed on Tuesday night when he missed the team's trip to tour Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days. Sources indicated that Grealish is still recovering from the foot injury he suffered at the end of the season, which occurred during his loan period to Everton, where he had begun to regain his best levels, and it is too early to predict what the future may hold. This injury ended not only his time at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but also his chance to play in the World Cup for England. After being dropped by former boss Pep Guardiola, Grealish returns to City as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with no signs of new terms being offered on his announced £300,000-a-week salary. Grealish, the former Aston Villa captain, will celebrate his 31st birthday in September, and the key question is whether new coach Enzo Maresca will reintegrate him into the first-team squad or be happy to complete a deal that will end his time at the Etihad Stadium. Maresca left the door open last week, saying: "At the moment, he's here. He's a Manchester City player. I've always said the same thing. Any club I join, I like to know if there are players who belong to the club. It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left. We also communicate, and the reason for that is because he has a big heart and is a very good person. So, that's why, and then we'll see what happens." However, Maresca will be concerned by explicit images of Grealish drinking in the afternoon twice in the past three months. Grealish was the face of City's celebrations after they won the treble in 2023, but he rejected claims he was a 'party boy', saying he was just 'enjoying himself'. Repeated photos showing him in poor condition will not help his case and may deter any potential applicants. Grealish has not featured in any competitive matches since the start of the year, while teammate Kalvin Phillips also returns to the club after an unsuccessful loan spell in the Championship with Sheffield United last season. Although still only 30, Phillips' career has deteriorated since joining City from Leeds in 2022, playing just seven minutes of EFL Cup action for the club over the past two seasons. There appears to be no way back after being left out of the tour squad, as City appear to be open to receiving offers for the player this summer. The club has taken an unusual group of 28 players to its three friendlies around the world, with Erling Haaland, new signing Elliott Anderson, Ran Shirky and Nico O'Reilly enjoying a time out after their World Cup involvement. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Phil Foden, Jusko Gvardiol and Antoine Simiti provide experience to a group that contains a number of players from the elite development squad with opportunities available. City face Serie A champions Inter Milan in Maresca's first match on Saturday, followed by matches against K-League Stars and Atletico Madrid in Seoul next week. As a new dawn begins for City in the Far East, Grealish will be watching hoping the sun never sets on his Blues career.

What's next?

As the start of the season approaches, it will be important to monitor how new coach Enzo Maresca handles Grealish's situation. If Grealish continues to miss training and matches, Manchester City may look for alternatives. At the same time, speculation may be growing about the possibility of him moving to another club if he is unable to regain his fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Jack Grealish?

Jack Grealish missed the Manchester City tour despite returning to training due to a foot injury from which he is still recovering.

Who confirmed Jack Grealish's absence from the tour?

Sources confirmed Jack Grealish's absence from the team's trip to a tour of Hong Kong and Seoul.

Why now did Grealish miss the tour?

Grealish missed the tour as he is still recovering from a season-ending foot injury.

What are the possible changes in Grealish's future?

Grealish's future could change depending on new coach Enzo Maresca's decision to include him in the first-team squad.

Are there any signs of Grealish's contract being renewed?

There are no signs of new terms being offered to Jack Grealish's contract as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

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