Grealish Omitted from Asia Tour Squad Despite Training Return

Jack Grealish will not travel with Manchester City on their pre-season tour of Asia, despite the winger returning to first-team training at the City Football Academy. The 28-year-old continues his recovery from a foot injury that has disrupted his off-season preparations.

City departed for a tour that includes fixtures in Japan and South Korea, but Grealish was not included in the travelling party. The decision suggests his rehabilitation is not yet complete enough for match action.

Context and Background

Grealish sustained the foot injury during the previous season, which limited his appearances in the latter stages of City's campaign. The England international made 20 Premier League starts in 2024/25, contributing three goals and four assists.

His absence from pre-season is a significant blow for head coach Pep Guardiola, who had hoped to use the tour to integrate Grealish fully into his tactical plans for the new season. City are preparing for a title defence and a renewed push in the UEFA Champions League.

Impact on Manchester City and FPL Managers

Grealish's continued absence opens the door for other wide players in City's squad. Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Savinho are likely to see increased minutes during pre-season.

  • Grealish was owned by 8.2% of Fantasy Premier League managers at the end of last season. His price is expected to drop from £7.5m to around £6.5m if his injury status persists.
  • City face a testing start to the league campaign with fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal within the first four gameweeks. Grealish's availability for those matches is now uncertain.
  • Without full pre-season minutes, Grealish may struggle for form and fitness in the opening months, mirroring his slow start in the 2023/24 campaign after a long injury layoff.

What Next for Grealish

Grealish will continue his rehabilitation at City's training complex during the tour. He is targeting a return to full team training before the Community Shield or the opening Premier League fixture. However, City are likely to manage his return carefully, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term availability.

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