- Grealish was left out of Community Shield win over Man United as a precaution
- That could extend to the Chelsea match in fear of aggravating a minor problem
- Get breaking Premier League news straight to your phone on Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp channel
Pep Guardiola has admitted that Jack Grealish is an injury doubt for Manchester City’s opening game of their fourth straight Premier League title defence.
Grealish took a knock in training ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield penalty shootout win over Manchester United and was left out as a precaution.
But that could extend to Sunday when City go to Stamford Bridge to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea for fear of aggravating a minor problem.
‘Discomfort for two days but especially on Friday, his feeling wasn’t good,’ Guardiola said. ‘I don’t think it’s a big issue but we didn’t want to take a risk. It’s a blow, he had rhythm and was aggressive.
‘Maybe against Chelsea he will be ready or I’m pretty sure against Ipswich Town. If he’d got injured now it could be three weeks or a month out.’
Pep Guardiola has admitted that Jack Grealish is a doubt for Man City’s clash with Chelsea
Grealish was left out of the Community Shield win over Man United as a precaution
Jeremy Doku and new £33million signing Savinho will vie for the left wing berth in Grealish’s place. Savinho impressed off the bench at Wembley on debut.
Guardiola added: ‘Savinho will understand us perfectly. I know many, many actions for Girona last season, going to the byline, cross to the near post or the far post, and the strikers scored a lot of goals. He’s so fast in transition.’
