Pep Guardiola baffled by England call-up for Manchester City forward Jack Grealish - ‘Haven’t told me’

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Jack Grealish was included in Lee Carsley's final England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches in Greece and at home to the Republic of Ireland on November 14 and 17 respectively. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was seemingly perplexed by the decision, given Grealish's recent groin problem and the fact he will not play against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

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Pep Guardiola admits he was baffled by Jack Grealish’s England call-up given the midfielder is ruled out for Manchester City’s Premier League clash away at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Grealish has been recovering from a groin injury and has not featured since making a substitute appearance in a 2-1 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 23.

Nevertheless, he has been selected in Lee Carsley’s final squad as interim England manager for the UEFA Nations League clashes against Greece and the Republic of Ireland later this month.

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City have a plethora of injury issues, with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Oscar Bobb all ruled out.

Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will also miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, but Kevin De Bruyne is close to a return.

“They [City’s medical department] haven’t told me they [England] spoke,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.

“They can select who they want. Jack trained today [Friday] and believes he can help – I’m not the guy to say you cannot go. But for my team tomorrow [Saturday] he’s not fit – he cannot play.

“It’s a question for the manager of England [why he is picked]. All I can say is that for a couple of days over two weeks, he didn’t train, but the people from England believe he can help. So go. It’s his decision.”

Guardiola was also quizzed on Carsley’s assertion that the 29-year-old had trained for the past two days, and replied: “Today [Friday] the first training [outside] and in the gym the day before. This is the reality.

“He [Grealish] has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm. He has to be [motivated to play], he has to be fit to play. Not only Jack – there are many players who this happens to. This is the reality.”

The Man City manager confirmed that Grealish expressed his desire to link up with the England squad, and said: “[He said]: 'I want to go to the national team.' No [I’m not surprised].”

Attention then turned to a new contract for the City boss, whose deal expires next June. He insists there is no news at present.

“No. I said many times, I won’t talk about it [a new contract]. When it happens, it will happen. We’re in touch regularly.”

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