‘Jack Grealish set for extended spell in Man City XI’ amid Guardiola U-turn
Jack Grealish is set to be handed an extended run in the Man City starting XI despite concerns about his recent playing time.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that the 29-year-old will play “at least 30 games” by the end of the season.
However, Robinson has insisted that the manager’s complaints about their injury situation mean he will not be willing to let players leave.
Grealish has started just eight of a possible 17 games so far this season, leading to concerns about his role compared to the likes of Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
He has missed their last five games through an injury sustained in training, but doubts had emerged about his role and lessening importance to the squad.
Despite this, he is expected to remain a key part of the side as they target victories in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Jack Grealish set for run of games at Man City amid exit talk
Amid a growing injury crisis at the Etihad, Guardiola is expected to lean on the depth of his squad to remain competitive and bounce back from three consecutive defeats.
Robinson has insisted Grealish will remain an important member of the squad, while he is happy at City and the club are happy with his performances.
“I think you’ll see him play a lot more between now and the end of the season,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s a lot of media talk around Man City at the moment because, for the first time in a long time, they’ve lost three games in a row.
“But in that time, they’ve actually only lost one game in the Premier League.
“So regarding Jack Grealish, he will play games.
“I think he’s got a good relationship with the manager whether he plays or Doku plays.
“But the way Pep has been talking about the injuries his team have suffered, I can’t see him wanting to let players like Grealish leave.
“I also don’t think he’ll be in any rush to leave Man City. He’s at one of the best clubs in the world challenging for the Champions League and Premier League.
“Because of the amount of competitions these clubs are in, he’ll play 25 to 30 games by the end of the season at least.
“I don’t think he goes this season, I don’t think either party are willing to part ways at this time.”
In other news, Kevin de Bruyne could leave the club in a “huge-money” deal.
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