Jack Grealish’s injury is a “serious blow”, says Pep Guardiola, coach unsure about status for Manchester City against Chelsea

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola is not sure whether Jack Grealish will miss the start of the season due to injury.

A last-minute header from Bernardo Silva cancelled out a solo goal from Alejandro Garnacho and the game went to penalties before a costly miss from Jonny Evans allowed defender Manuel Akanji to convert the decisive penalty for City in sudden death.

“It’s a big blow because he was able to play the whole pre-season and get into the rhythm. He was aggressive and the third and fourth games were really, really good,” Guardiola said of Grealish.

Guardiola continued: “Maybe he will be ready against Chelsea. I’m pretty sure he will be ready against Ipswich Town (on August 24).”

“It is what it is. During the season it has happened a lot, you know – ailments, injuries, we try to assess it as quickly as possible. That’s why we didn’t want to take any risks (against Man Utd).”

The left wing position is currently up for grabs in Man City’s starting eleven, with Belgian winger Jeremy Doku and summer signing Savinho competing for the position.

Guardiola said he was happy with his latest transfer after the Brazilian joined from City Football Group club Troyes in July after impressing on loan at La Liga surprise package Girona last year.

Guardiola said: “Savinho is really good, so fast, he can play on both sides. Jack can only play on the left. Oscar can only play on the right. Bernardo can play on the right. Phil can play on the left and right.

“But Jeremy and Savinho can play on both sides. I think the influence was good.”

“Last season in Girona he was one of the best and most important players in the league. And Michel, the manager from Girona, helped him a lot to grow up.”

“We believe in our young players and believe this is a good transfer deal for the club. Yes, I am really happy.”

City begins the defence of its Premier League title away at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.