Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has provided reassurance to fans by suggesting that star signing Jack Grealish is likely to be fit for the upcoming clash against Chelsea. Grealish missed the Community Shield victory over Manchester United last weekend due to an unspecified injury, but Walker expressed confidence in his teammate’s recovery, stating that he expects Grealish to be fully fit and ready to play against Chelsea.
However, manager Pep Guardiola was slightly more cautious when discussing Grealish’s fitness. While he acknowledged the possibility of the winger being available for the Chelsea game, Guardiola also mentioned the subsequent fixture against Ipswich Town as a potential return date. This cautious approach reflects Guardiola’s focus on player welfare and ensuring that Grealish is fully recovered before being thrust back into action.
In terms of other potential fitness concerns for Manchester City heading into the Chelsea match, it is unlikely that players who featured in the Euro 2024 final will start. Guardiola opted to give these players a full month off, meaning they only began pre-season training at the start of the week. While players like Rodri, Walker, Stones, and Foden could still feature in the matchday squad, it is expected that they will start on the bench as they regain match fitness.
The upcoming clash between Manchester City and Chelsea also sees a unique storyline with Enzo Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola’s, now managing Chelsea. Maresca’s appointment adds an intriguing dimension to the match, as he brings a similar style of football to Chelsea. However, the Blues have struggled defensively in pre-season, conceding goals at a high rate. This sets the stage for an open and exciting contest between the two sides, with City being the favorites to secure the three points.
Overall, the anticipation for the Manchester City versus Chelsea match is high, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of key players and the clash of coaching philosophies between Guardiola and Maresca. As the reigning champions, City will look to assert their dominance early in the season, while Chelsea will aim to make a statement under their new manager. With Grealish’s potential return adding to the excitement, this match promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans.
