Manchester City star Jack Grealish has broken his social media silence after controversially pulling out of England’s UEFA Nations League squad, managed by interim boss Lee Carsley. The 29-year-old winger was among eight players who withdrew from England’s lineup for their clashes against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, sparking debate and speculation about player priorities and international duties. Grealish’s recent absence has been notable, especially since he has already missed Manchester City’s last six matches across all competitions due to a training-ground injury picked up shortly before City’s dominant 5-0 Champions League victory over Sparta Prague.
Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, voiced his dissatisfaction with Grealish’s England call-up, making it clear that he believed the timing was inappropriate given the player’s lack of fitness. Guardiola’s frustration was evident when discussing Grealish’s recent struggles with injuries and lack of training, emphasizing the critical need for proper rest and recovery. “National teams always play in this period, and I’m always pleased for players to go – when they are fit and haven’t struggled for the past one, two, three, or four weeks,” Guardiola stated, hinting that Grealish’s selection by Carsley was premature and perhaps ill-advised. He elaborated, “In 17 days, he didn’t train once. Today was the first training, and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality.”
Grealish’s injury issues and subsequent absence have come at a difficult time for Manchester City. The reigning Premier League champions have endured a rare and unexpected slump, losing four consecutive matches across all competitions—a first since Guardiola took the reins at the Etihad Stadium. Their most recent setback, a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on November 9, has left City trailing Liverpool by five points in the race for the Premier League title. With a packed schedule and mounting pressure, Guardiola’s squad will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, making Grealish’s recovery and potential return to the lineup even more critical.
Despite being sidelined, Grealish has taken steps to reconnect with fans and supporters, turning to social media to share a moment of respite during his rehabilitation period. Posting on Instagram, he shared an image of himself spending precious time with his young daughter, a heartwarming glimpse into his life off the pitch. This brief break from the game appears to be giving Grealish the chance to reset mentally and physically before returning to the relentless demands of top-flight football.
Although his stats for the season have been underwhelming—just one Premier League goal involvement so far—Grealish was beginning to regain form before his injury. His improved performances had seen him rise back into Guardiola’s favor after a somewhat inconsistent start to the 2024-25 campaign. His blend of creativity, vision, and dribbling skill had started to impact City’s attacking play, offering glimpses of the player who became the Premier League’s most expensive signing back in 2021.
City’s reliance on Grealish’s playmaking abilities has become more evident in his absence. Without his dynamism on the left wing, City’s offense has appeared less fluid, lacking some of the unpredictability and directness he provides. Fans and pundits alike have highlighted his importance to City’s attack and have been quick to point out that his absence has contributed to their recent struggles. Grealish’s return to fitness and form could be pivotal as the club looks to stabilize its position in the title race and regain the dominance they have grown accustomed to under Guardiola.
With the international break now underway, Grealish has a window to continue his recovery without the added pressure of match commitments. As Manchester City gear up for a crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur once domestic action resumes, the hope within the City camp is that Grealish will be ready to contribute. His presence, energy, and ability to unlock defenses could be exactly what Guardiola’s side needs to navigate their way out of this mini-crisis and get their season back on track.
For now, Grealish’s focus remains on regaining full fitness while balancing the demands of being a professional athlete with his responsibilities as a father. The coming weeks will be crucial, not only for his own career trajectory but also for Manchester City’s ambitions. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the next chapter in Grealish’s journey will see him once again dazzling on the pitch, helping City challenge for silverware and justifying the high expectations that have surrounded his career since his breakout days at Aston Villa.