says he does not know how long will be out for after the star suffered a recurrence of his groin injury.
after just 38 minutes of City’s win at Luton Town on Wednesday night.
It was the attacking midfielder’s first game since picking up a groin injury against Copenhagen in the Champions League in February.
Guardiola has now stated that there is no timescale on his recovery but the 28-year-old will miss Sunday’s derby against Manchester United and could well miss England’s March internationals.
‘He will not be fit this weekend. When he comes back, I don’t know,’ the manager said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
‘Setbacks are always there in life, he will overcome it.
‘Tuesday to Sunday is a dream. Saturday to Tuesday with trips is a problem. Players were extraordinary vs Luton. Two days off and now prepare vs United.’
Asked if Grealish would be back before the international break, Guardiola added: ‘No, I don’t think so. He has to recover well to use him as much as possible. I didn’t speak to Gareth [Southgate].’
This is a big blow for Southgate as the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium are his last chance to assess players ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.
Grealish would have been a shoe-in for a place in the Three Lions squad but a lack of form and fitness issues this season means his spot may be at risk.
City’s record signing has scored just three goals and made two assists in 27 appearances so far this season, and has started just seven league games.
Josko Gvardiol is City’s only other injury concern going into the Manchester derby and though he may be back for the big game, Guardiola did not provide an update on the defender’s fitness.
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