Watched By Guardiola, Midfielder Jack Grealish Injured Again In Manchester City's Match

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish was injured again in the FA Cup match against Luton Town. (X/@EmratesFACup)

JAKARTA - Manchester City midfielder, Jack Grealish, again suffered an injury in the middle of the FA Cup match against Luton Town, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Grealish was really sad after he was flicked by Manager Pep Guardiola because of his poor performance this season.

Grealish became the pillar of Man City when he won trebles last season. However, the performance of the England national team midfielder immediately fell this season.

Moreover, he was later injured. As a result, Grealish was absent for six matches when he received a thigh injury in September 2023. After recovering, the 28-year-old player was again sidelined in December 2023.

Injuries have indeed become a sight close to Grealish this season. Later, he was injured in the groin as Man City beat Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of the last 16 of the 2023/2024 Champions League on February 13, 2024.

After recovering, Grealish was not immediately fielded. His performance, which never improved, made Guardiola cross him out in the match against Chelsea and Brentford.

Likewise, when he narrowly won 1-0 over Bournemouth, he only sat on the bench and was not played in that match.

Guardiola highlighted Grealish's performance which did not improve. According to him, players must immediately regain the rhythm of the game after recovering from injury. It's just that, he failed to do so.

"He's the same player as the same manager. Our style of play has not changed either," said Guardiola, who poked Grealish's performance.

"The problem is how he performs. That's the difference. I say, we (Man City) need him. He has a special quality for this team. However, it all depends on him," said Guardiola again.

"At the highest level, the team can't wait for the players to fit. You can't give players up to three or four games to fit."

"What happens if there are 10 players who can't play. Players don't need to prove it to me. Those who have to prove that they deserve to be played," said Guardiola.

Furthermore, the former Barcelona coach said that the player who had just recovered needed time to re-adjust.

"They have to get back the rhythm of the game for 20 minutes or even 90 minutes," he said.

Grealish then had the opportunity to play by starting against Luton in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Kenilworth Road Stadium.

However, in the match won by Man City 6-2, Grealish suffered an injury and had to leave in the 38th minute. His position was then replaced by Jeremy Doku.

Grealish himself seemed devastated by the injury he had experienced again. The reason is, he is in danger of being absent again when the competition is almost over.

The problem is, England's national team manager, Gareth Southgate, is monitoring the players who will be brought to Euro 2024. Grealish also looked very emotional as he headed to the dressing room so his colleagues entertained him.

"He's actually in good condition. Unfortunately, he was injured. It's been a tough season for him. I hope he recovers soon," said Guardiola.

Man City also qualified for the quarter-finals without Grealish's contribution.