Before Manchester City’s FA Cup match against Luton, manager Pep Guardiola discussed Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol.
In the FA Cup match against Luton, Pep Guardiola said that Jack Grealish is eligible to play, and Josko Gvardiol is very close to making a comeback.
After needing to withdraw from the Champions League match against Copenhagen earlier this month due to an injury, Grealish was an unexpected inclusion to the bench for the Premier League victory against Bournemouth. Although the former Villa player has healed faster than anticipated, City had initially believed he may be absent for up to a month.
With City struggling to hold onto a 1-0 lead against Bournemouth, Guardiola did not turn to Grealish for any playing time. However, a return could occur at Kenilworth Road, where Grealish has already scored this season. The manager stated that Gvardiol was closing on a return, even though he might not make it in time for Luton.
He added, “Josko is good too.” He is training without too much pain, but we are training this afternoon. He hasn’t trained with us yet, but he is almost certain to return. I believe that everyone else is okay, but we have training this afternoon.”
Guardiola understands that City cannot afford to lower their standards if they want to advance in the FA Cup. The Blues rallied to win after falling behind at Luton back in December.
“We saw all the games that they play there against top sides and others,” he continued. “The causes are evident. Luton play is the direction that football is going. They act so hostilely. No matter where you are in the league, as long as you have the guts to play, take on the task fearlessly, and have access to direct channels, you can still see the patterns and the skill of Ross Barkley’s build-up. They have excellent ball-handling skills.”
