Following the international break Manchester City return to Premier League action with a massive fixture against Tottenham. There should be an electric atmosphere at the game with Pep Guardiola’s two-year contract extension confirmed and Rodri will be at the game with his Ballon d’Or in hand. On the pitch, the world champions will be desperate to return to winning ways against Ange Postecoglou’s side. On the injury front, a host of City players have returned to training this week. One of those is Jack Grealish. The England international will have a vital role to play going forward once he is back at full fitness.
Jack Grealish is one of several City players the world champions have missed during their four-game losing run. Pep Guardiola’s side has had to navigate their way through an injury crisis before the recent international break. But it now looks like there is light at the end of that particular tunnel. Once Grealish is match fit his presence in City’s lineup could help the champions get out of their slump.
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The role played by Jack Grealish at times divides opinion. He isn’t as flashy as Jeremy Doku or Savinho and you only have to look at social media at times to see the varying opinions on the play of the England international. But Grealish is vital to Manchester City. He offers control on City’s left-hand side. The winger is also vital in tracking back defensively which covers Josko Gvardiol’s runs forward. But Grealish is also a key conduit in City’s attacking play. His performance in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham is a prime example of this. Grealish was superb at the London Stadium, and his link-up play with Kevin De Bruyne was crucial in City’s win. Often that is lost or forgotten in the overall criticism of the game of Grealish. But he is crucial to Manchester City and having him back fit is a massive boost to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sure Grealish could add more goals and assists to his game. No one has ever doubted that fact. But when he is fit and firing Manchester City are a better team. The challenge is now there for Grealish to get back to his best as quickly as possible. Saturday’s clash with Tottenham could be the ideal setting for Grealish to return with a bang. Whether or not he starts the game after such a long layoff remains to be seen. But I do expect he will have a chance to make an impact in Saturday’s match at the Etihad.
It is welcome news for Manchester City to have a host of players back from injury. The hope is that they can all help City arrest their recent slide. It is also good to see that Jack Grealish is over the injury that saw miss City’s last six matches. He will have a vital role to play for the world champions. It is now up to Grealish to return to his best as quickly as possible. If he can it should provide a boost to Pep Guardiola’s side.
