Jack Grealish injury a 'big blow' says Pep Guardiola, boss unsure of status for Manchester City v Chelsea

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Jack Grealish was not risked during Manchester City's penalty shootout win over Manchester United in the Community Shield on Saturday due to injury. Grealish, who was left out of the England squad for the European Championship this summer, is now set for a race to be fit in time for the new Premier League season, which begins this weekend.

'We didn't want to take a risk' - Guardiola unsure of Grealish injury status for Chelsea clash

Video credit: SNTV

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is unsure whether Jack Grealish will miss the start of the season through injury.

The winger didn't feature in the Premier League champions' penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the Community Shield on Saturday.

A late Bernardo Silva header cancelled out a solo goal from Alejandro Garnacho to send the tie to penalties, before a costly miss from Jonny Evans allowed defender Manuel Akanji to fire home the winning spot-kick for City in sudden death.

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"It's a big blow because he could play all the [pre-]season and get the rhythm, he was aggressive and the third and fourth game was really, really good," said Guardiola on Grealish.

Grealish missed out on the England squad that lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in July, and will now have to wait to get his chance in the new season. His manager hopes the former Aston Villa star's spell on the sidelines won't be too long.

Guardiola continued: "Maybe against Chelsea he will be ready. I'm pretty sure Ipswich Town he will be ready [on August 24].

"It is what it is. During the season, it happened many times that you know - discomforts, injuries, try to assess as soon as possible. That's why we didn't want to take risk [against Man Utd]."

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The left-sided position is currently up for grabs in the Man City starting XI, with Belgian winger Jeremy Doku and summer signing Savinho set to compete for the position.

Guardiola stated he's happy with what he's seen from his latest signing after the Brazilian joined from fellow City Football Group club Troyes in July, having impressed last year on loan at La Liga surprise package Girona.

Guardiola said: "Savinho is really good, so fast, he can play both sides. Jack can only play off the left. Oscar can just play on the right. Bernardo can play on the right. Phil can play left and right.

"But Jeremy and Savinho can play on both sides. I think the impact has been good.

"Last season in Girona, he was one of the best players in the league and important. And Michel, the manager from Girona, helped him a lot to grow up.

"We believe in our young players and feel this is a good transfer deal for the club. Yeah, I'm really pleased."

City begin their Premier League title defence away to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

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