Everton make the trip to Manchester City on Saturday but Jack Grealish won't be involved due to the Premier League's contentious rules on loan players facing their parent clubs
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Jack Grealish of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish is ineligible to play against Manchester City(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola says that it 'would be nice' if Jack Grealish was allowed to face Manchester City on Saturday - even if it boosted Everton's chances of winning. Grealish, 30, is unable to come up against his parent club after joining the Toffees on a season-long loan in August.
The playmaker has enjoyed a superb start to life on Merseyside, providing four assists in nine games. Grealish also scored his first goal for Everton during their dramatic 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace last time out.
His form hasn't led to an England call-up but Thomas Tuchel is keeping a close eye on the former Aston Villa star's performances. So, too, is Guardiola, who's hailed his 'massive' impact - and bemoaned the Premier League's rules on loanees.
Players currently aren't eligible to face their parent clubs in league fixtures, a rule that Guardiola would consider changing if he called the shots. "Obviously he is there. The impact has been massive from day one," the City manager told his pre-match press conference.
"He got minutes and minutes and this is what he wanted. The decision we had with him, because he's a lovely guy, but he's back to real business and he's playing every game."
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Guardiola went on to say: "They're the rules. When I will be a CEO or president of a big institution in England maybe I will change it. If he played it would be nice but I don't have any opinion."
Asked whether or not he's spoken to Grealish since his exit on loan, Guardiola replied: "Not yet, when he left, but since then, no. Hopefully tomorrow, if he comes to the Etihad, I can see him."
Everton boss David Moyes has lamented Grealish's enforced absence, saying: "Jack will be a miss for us because he has played so well. We will rejig, get ready, and get ready to go."
The 30-year-old is expected to return for Everton when they face Tottenham next Sunday, October 26 at Hill Dickinson Stadium. That's where Grealish enjoyed his best moment yet for the Toffees a fortnight ago.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester City at Gtech Community Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola won't have to plan for Jack Grealish's return
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"To score the winner, which was my first goal for the club, was a brilliant feeling," he beamed. "The fans have been so good with me since I have come here.
"I have loved every minute of it. The training and the playing, and I love playing here, at the Hill Dickinson, so hopefully it can continue.
"I like to do stuff in my life and when I like to do that stuff, I love doing it, so football is one of them. I love playing football and when I am enjoying it the way I am, there is nothing better. Waking up and training every day. There comes a lot of pressure with it, but it is the best job for us, so when I enjoy it like this, there is no better feeling."