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Pep Guardiola is looking forward to having a player like Jack Grealish return to Manchester City’s lineup in the later part of the season as they compete for trophies.
Grealish played a crucial role in City’s triple victory last season, but this season has been dissatisfying for him.
He was absent for a month at the beginning of the season due to a leg injury. Furthermore, a groin problem has only allowed him to play in one of City’s last seven games.
The individual aged 28 also experienced a period of absence due to illness and had to attend to personal matters following a prominent burglary at their residence.
He has not been able to consistently play with the team due to other players performing well in his position and his own form declining.
However, there is a possibility of his comeback as City prepares to face Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Guardiola is confident that the player has the ability to regain his top form.
The City manager stated that they will wait and see. They have this upcoming game and then a two-week period where the player will train diligently and smartly in order to be prepared when the team returns.
In the past two to three days, he has trained well and is feeling positive.
On Saturday, we may require his assistance and he will have the opportunity to use the next two weeks to improve and return.
We may have access to a player like Jack, who, unfortunately, was only available for a few games this season, but can still provide assistance to our team.
We always aspire to reach the final international break of the season, competing in all tournaments.
“Jack assisted us, but not to the same extent as last season. Therefore, it is crucial for him to fully recover from his minor injury and be in good condition in case we require his assistance.”
“I’m not going to say how important Jack is – of course he is. But he has to be ready.”
The team from City will be up against one of the most impressive players in international soccer, Jude Bellingham, when they take on Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the upcoming month.
For the third year in a row, the holders have been matched up against the Spanish giants. Guardiola acknowledges that having the Englishman in their midfield makes them a more challenging opponent.
In the previous season’s semi-finals, City dominated and defeated Real with a 4-0 victory in the second match at the Etihad Stadium.
According to Guardiola, Bellingham’s contribution has been significant. The team is noticeably different compared to last season. His influence is evident and we need to figure out how to manage it.
Playing against Real Madrid is always a difficult task, which is undeniable. They are an exceptional team and their past experience makes them a strong contender in this competition.
“We have made progress in recent years, but it has been challenging.”
The article is from The Independent Online News website.
The source of the article is The Independent’s website for online news.
