There’s good news for Manchester City fans as Jack Grealish has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines, but his call-up to the England squad for the upcoming international fixtures has added a new layer of complexity to manager Pep Guardiola’s already challenging injury situation.
The latest update, as confirmed by interim England manager Lee Carsley, indicates that Grealish has rejoined Manchester City’s training sessions this week. However, the positive news is tempered by a degree of uncertainty surrounding the winger’s fitness, leaving both Carsley and Guardiola in a delicate position regarding his involvement in England’s upcoming matches.
**Grealish’s Fitness in Question**
While Grealish’s return to training is a step in the right direction, it remains unclear whether he is fully fit or just easing back into action. This uncertainty has led to concerns about whether the 28-year-old will be ready to feature in England’s fixtures or if playing him could risk aggravating any lingering issues. Carsley, speaking ahead of the international break, acknowledged that several players, including Grealish, are in a similar situation, with fitness doubts hanging over their availability.
“Jack’s been training at City for the last couple of days. So we’re hoping that we’ll assess him when he comes into camp,” said Carsley. “Jack is in the same position as maybe four or five other players that there’s question marks over whether they’re going to be involved or not. We try and give them as long as we can.”
The timing of the international break and the importance of managing players’ fitness ahead of a busy club schedule makes this a particularly delicate issue. Carsley has assured that he would not take any unnecessary risks with players who are not fully fit, emphasizing that England’s medical team would be extra cautious.
“We’ve got almost a standby list ready, that if we were to lose two or three players, we’re capable of replacing them,” Carsley explained. “And I think as well, I don’t think this is the time of year to be gambling, or taking chances with players. If there’s a risk that they’re not fit, we won’t take that chance.”
**Guardiola’s Concerns Over Player Fitness**
For Pep Guardiola, the news of Grealish’s call-up is far from straightforward. The Manchester City boss has been very vocal in the past about his frustration with national teams when it comes to player fitness, particularly during international breaks that feature friendly matches or low-stakes fixtures. Guardiola has made it clear that he does not appreciate it when his players are pushed to play in games that don’t directly impact their teams’ competitive fixtures, fearing that it could lead to further injury or setbacks.
This is not the first time this season that Guardiola has had to navigate a tricky situation with international football. Both Kyle Walker and Jeremy Doku had been ruled out by Guardiola ahead of the international break, only to make swift recoveries and return to action for their respective countries. Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne, who had been sidelined for a significant period, also returned to fitness ahead of schedule. However, Guardiola’s frustration with the international setup is well-documented, and the inclusion of Grealish in the England squad, despite lingering fitness concerns, is likely to raise further tensions.
Guardiola has previously expressed his anger at national teams for pushing players back onto the pitch too soon, especially in non-competitive matches. This has become a point of contention between club managers and national team coaches, as clubs invest significant resources in managing their players’ fitness and long-term health, while international fixtures often have less at stake.
However, despite these concerns, Guardiola will likely take some comfort from Carsley’s public commitment to not taking any risks with players who are not fully fit. The England boss also emphasized that the national team would take the lead from the clubs regarding players’ availability and fitness levels, a stance that aligns with Guardiola’s preference for careful, calculated decision-making when it comes to player health.
**Carsley’s Approach to Risk Management**
“We definitely wouldn’t put a player at risk,” Carsley assured, confirming that England’s approach would prioritize player well-being. “We take the lead off the clubs. Really happy with the communication that we’ve had from them. We’ll assess it again on Sunday.”
This measured approach should offer some reassurance to Guardiola, who will be hoping that Grealish can make a full recovery without further setbacks. While the player’s fitness remains a grey area, the communication between the England setup and Manchester City appears to be working in tandem, and both parties seem committed to ensuring that any decisions made will not jeopardize the long-term health of the player.
**John Stones and Other Squad Updates**
While the focus remains on Grealish’s fitness, there are other notable inclusions and absences in the latest England squad. Manchester City defender John Stones, who has been dealing with a persistent foot injury, has been left out of the squad entirely. Stones’ absence is a significant blow for England, but with his ongoing recovery, it was deemed prudent to give him additional time to recover fully before returning to competitive action.
On a more positive note, City teammates Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, and Phil Foden have all been included in the squad, and their fitness will be key to England’s success in the upcoming fixtures. Walker’s involvement is particularly noteworthy given his own injury concerns earlier in the season, while Foden’s inclusion reflects his return to form after a somewhat slow start to the campaign. Lewis, meanwhile, continues to impress at the back for both City and England, and his inclusion is a well-earned reward for his performances.
**What’s Next for Grealish and Guardiola?**
As the international break looms, Pep Guardiola’s focus will remain firmly on ensuring that his squad is fully fit and firing for Manchester City’s crucial upcoming fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League. While Grealish’s return to training is promising, Guardiola will be keen to ensure that the player is not rushed back into action prematurely, either for England or City. Given the uncertainty surrounding Grealish’s fitness, it is likely that Guardiola will continue to keep a close eye on the situation as it develops, hoping that Carsley’s cautious approach will keep his star winger in the best possible condition for the remainder of the season.
For now, it’s a waiting game. England will assess Grealish’s fitness during their training camp, and Guardiola will be hoping that the winger is given the necessary time to regain full match fitness before returning to action for Manchester City. With so much at stake for both club and country, managing Grealish’s recovery will require delicate handling from all parties involved. The next few days could prove pivotal in ensuring that the talented winger’s return to action is a smooth one.