Manchester City’s 6-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup fifth round was marred by the recurrence of Jack Grealish’s groin injury.
Despite Erling Haaland’s historic five-goal run that saw City through to the quarter-finals, Grealish’s injury forced Pep Guardiola to leave Kenilworth Road with a bitter taste in his mouth.
Grealish, 28, first suffered a groin problem during City’s Champions League win over Copenhagen earlier in February. After missing two matches, he returned to the team, making a surprise appearance on the bench for the match against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
A difficult season
Grealish’s return to the starting XI against Luton, however, ended in failure, as he only played 38 minutes before being replaced by Jeremy Doku. The England international covered his face with a training top to hide his disappointment as he entered the opposition’s penalty box.
On Grealish’s injury, Guardiola said: “I haven’t spoken to the doctor but I think it’s the groin, maybe a similar injury. He felt great, but unfortunately he got injured. The season was difficult for him, he must recover well.”
As City prepare to face arch-rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League match, Grealish’s potential availability remains uncertain as he faces a race against time to be fit before Sunday. If he is not selected, his absence will be keenly felt, especially as he stood out in City’s previous 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford, with a double from Haaland and a goal by Phil Foden at the end of the match.
