Manchester City returned to pre-season training last week, and midfielder Jack Grealish was among the players who had reported for duty. However, any immediate hopes of seeing the 30-year-old donning a City shirt once more were dashed on Tuesday night when he missed out on a seat on the plane for the club's tour of Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days.
Grealish Continues to Recover from Season-Ending Injury
Sources have said Grealish continues to recuperate from a season-ending foot injury sustained in January during a loan spell at Everton. The injury ended not only his time at Everton but also an outside shout at playing at the World Cup for England. Grealish's future at Manchester City remains uncertain, with the club reportedly open to offers for the player this summer.
Maresca's Uncertain Future for Grealish
New Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has left the door open for Grealish's return to the first-team set-up. In a recent statement, Maresca said, "At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that 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. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he is a very good guy. So this is the reason why and then we see what happens."
Grealish's Recent Behavior May Raise Concerns
Grealish's recent behavior may raise concerns for Maresca. The midfielder was pictured drinking in the afternoon twice in the past three months, which may not help his cause. Grealish has denied being a "party boy," saying he was just "enjoying himself."
City Tour Squad Looks Unfamiliar
Manchester City have taken an unfamiliar-looking group of 28 players for their three friendly matches across the globe. The squad includes experienced players like Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Phil Foden, as well as new signings Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki. The team will face Serie A champions Inter Milan in Maresca's first game in-charge on Saturday, followed by matches against K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid in Seoul next week.
Grealish will be watching on hoping the sun is not setting on his Blues career. With the club reportedly open to offers for the player, his future at Manchester City remains uncertain. As the team embarks on their tour, Grealish's absence will be a significant factor in the upcoming matches. Only time will tell if Maresca will reintegrate Grealish into the first-team set-up or if his time at Etihad Stadium will come to an end.
Source: Joy Online
