Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized Lee Carsley’s decision to select Jack Grealish for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Grealish, 29, has not played for City since their injury-time victory over Wolves on October 20, immediately after the previous international break.
Justifying his decision on Thursday, interim England manager Carsley said Grealish had been training “for a couple of days” and would be assessed when he reported to work.
However, Guardiola already ruled the former £100million Aston Villa man out of the Premier League trip to Brighton on Saturday and questioned why Carsley had chosen him.
“The national teams always play in this period and I am always happy when the players leave, when they are fit and have not had any problems for the last one, two, three or four weeks,” Guardiola said.
When it was pointed out that Carsley had mentioned that Grealish had returned to training, Guardiola responded: “In 17 days he didn’t train once. Today was the first training session and he trained for 20 minutes. That’s the reality.
“Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes over the last two days, but it’s a question for the UK (England) coach. I’m not involved.”
Guardiola said he had not spoken to Carsley about the situation and was not aware of any conversations between the football Association and City’s medical department.
He said he had asked Grealish about the situation and the player had told him he wanted to report.
“They can select whoever they want,” Guardiola added. “Jack has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and hasn’t been able to get his rhythm back.”
Grealish has struggled to maintain his form this season despite returning early to training with a point to prove after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
So far he has only provided two assists and has yet to score for his club.
