The absence of Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic from Manchester City’s match against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League has been confirmed by Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard was speaking earlier on Monday at a press conference as Manchester City got ready to defend their European championship.
Let’s look at what was said about Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish.
What’s going on?
Well, the international players from England and Croatia are hampered by thigh and back injuries, respectively.
Although it is thought that neither problem is serious, Grealish and Kovacic both have a game on Tuesday against Red Star Belgrade that is too soon.
When asked about the pair, Guardiola is quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying: “They are getting better, not for tomorrow.
Hopefully Nottingham (Saturday’s game against Forest) or the following games.
We urgently require Jack to compete with Jeremy, the desire to play well, and the chance to join the team.
long-term fitness is challenging. We acknowledge that it does happen. “.
Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to be out until 2024, will also be absent from Manchester City this time around, and John Stones’ recovery from a muscle injury is still a work in progress.
Who is anticipated to take Grealish and Kovacic’s place at Manchester City?
Guardiola was without the two players in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over West Ham, so these absences are not unexpected for him.
In place of Grealish, Jeremy Doku started on the left wing at the London Stadium, and the Belgian stood out as he scored the first goal for the Citizens.
Instead of Kovacic, Guardiola chose Bernardo Silva to start in a deeper role alongside Rodri, with Matheus Nunes eventually making his debut to free up Manchester City’s No. 20 to move ahead.
Nunes might even get a start on Tuesday as a result of that substitution, which allowed Silva to give the Citizens a 2-1 lead.
Grealish, Kovacic, Stones, and De Bruyne are still missing, which is unfortunate, but Manchester City is prepared to handle the situation.
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