MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 4: Jeremy Doku of Manchester City (L) celebrates with Jack Grealish of Manchester City (C) and Ruben Dias of Manchester City (R)after scoring their 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Etihad Stadium on December 4, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 4: Jeremy Doku of Manchester City (L) celebrates with Jack Grealish of Manchester City (C) and Ruben Dias of Manchester City (R)after scoring their 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Etihad Stadium on December 4, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Jack Grealish was dropped from the Manchester City team at Crystal Palace despite a good performance in midfield vs Nottingham Forest.
But the decision did not appear to be tactical, as Pep Guardiola hinted at a pre-match injury issue that prevented Grealish from resuming his role and building on the new position against Forest. Guardiola had remained coy on Grealish's future in midfield after a City career that has almost exclusively seen him operate from the left wing.
And before the fixture at Crystal Palace, Guardiola admitted that fitness considerations were behind both decisions. "Jack yesterday has some struggles," the City boss revealed.
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Jeremy Doku was another to be dropped at Selhurst Park, days after a goal and assist against Forest in a lively display on his return from injury.
Guardiola added: "Jeremy came back after three or four weeks with a muscular injury. Three days it was too much risk. Fresh legs, energy and let's go."
On Friday, Guardiola had said that every single player in his squad is struggling with fitness, and Manu Akanji was the latest to drop out in South London. He joined Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and Rodri on the sidelines.