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Jack Grealish has been told to dedicate the international break to regaining his top fitness ready for the run-in after a season riddled with injuries that hampered his performance in training.
The Manchester City midfielder surprisingly made himself available for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final as Pep Guardiola revealed he could call on the 28-year-old when Newcastle United visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Grealish has suffered three separate injuries this season and has only started two of the last 13 games, which date back to early January. He suffered injuries in the first half of both.
It was admitted that a hasty return contributed to his latest setback in the last round at Luton Town three weeks ago.
City have given him time to ensure the groin injury fully heals and Gareth Southgate has opted not to select him for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium before selecting his European Championship squad.
Jack Grealish has been told by Pep Guardiola to dedicate the international break to regaining his top fitness
Grealish has suffered three separate injuries this season and has played just two of the last 13 games
“There are two weeks where he will work as hard and as smart as possible to be ready when we come back,” Guardiola said.
‘Tomorrow we might need it and especially (use) these two weeks to work well and come back. Then we can have the Jack that we unfortunately only had a few times this season. And he can help us.’
Grealish struggled to force his way into the team ahead of Jeremy Doku after returning from a serious leg injury. Guardiola believes the blows have had an impact on his performances.
The Manchester City midfielder surprisingly made himself available for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final
“You have to have consistency in training, consistency in playing time, no injuries, and then get the best out of it,” the Catalan added.
‘If you are injured for one, two, three weeks, at times you do not train optimally and when that does happen, it is more difficult. He knows it perfectly.’
Grealish was an integral part of City’s quest for the Treble last year but has failed to reach the same heights in his 20 starts in all competitions.
Guardiola said: ‘He has to be fit and ready because the quality of holding the ball, making extra passes, bringing the team closer and closer together, defensively and offensively, is really good.’