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Today sees Manchester United and Manchester City go to war for the Community Shield.
Already we know that a number of United stars are unavailable for the game thanks to injuries picked up on the pre-season tour of the States.
The big set backs are with new signing Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund who have both been ruled out until January and September respectively.
It’s also understood that Harry Maguire is still doubtful for the game, with Joshua Zirkzee set to make his debut, although this is expected to come off of the bench.
For Manchester City, we know they’re missing out on five of their stars who have been on international duty this summer.
Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden were all in the Euro 2024 final this summer, with Julian Alvarez competing at the Copa America and Paris Olympics for Argentina. All five are yet to return to training, enjoying a well deserved break so will not be featuring for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
However, it’s now come out that the Premier League champions will be missing another star.
Pep Guardiola set to lose another player from Community Shield fixture
This morning, The Sun have reported that winger Jack Grealish is set to miss that game having suffered a late injury in training.
The 28-year-old has featured in all of City’s pre-season games, including fixtures against Chelsea, Barcelona, AC Milan and Celtic.
Following his injuries last season, Grealish was hoping to feature in the Community Shield fixture to get him back on track of finding his form.
Pep Guardiola commented on the star’s form in the pre-season tour of the States, saying: “What I’ve seen so far here, one week in the pre-season on tour, I loved it,”
He continued: “I don’t care how he performs, it’s every session his commitment and his trying, against Barcelona he made five or six shots, he was aggressive with the ball, that’s all, after that his quality will do the rest.
“I know he’ll be a father soon and we’re so happy for that. All I ask of the players is that – you like to play football, yes, so play.
“Hopefully he can sustain it until the end of the season and like the rest compete with everyone for one place in the starting XI, that depends on him.
“What I see in behaviours, in training and how you’re performing, as well as you do the more chance you have.”
Whilst it was predicted that Grealish would be starting the game, his slot may well be handed to likes of Jeremy Doku.
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