‘Tough season for him’ – Jack Grealish injury update issued by Pep Guardiola after Man City star forced off during Luton FA Cup rout

Manchester City’s exhilarating 6-2 triumph over Luton in the fifth round of the FA Cup was marred by the recurrence of Jack Grealish’s groin injury.

Despite Erling Haaland’s historic five-goal spree that secured City’s quarter-final berth, Grealish’s setback forced Pep Guardiola to leave Kenilworth Road with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Grealish, 28, had initially suffered a groin problem during City’s Champions League victory against Copenhagen earlier in February. After missing two games, he returned to the squad as a surprising inclusion on the bench for the Bournemouth clash in the Premier League.

However, Grealish’s comeback to the starting lineup against Luton ended in despair as he managed only 38 minutes on the field before being replaced by Jeremy Doku. The England international covered his face with a training top to hide the disappointment as he entered the away side’s dugout.

Addressing Grealish’s injury, Guardiola revealed: “I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think it is the groin, maybe quite similar. He felt really really good but unfortunately, he got injured. It’s been a tough season for him, he has to recover well.”

With City set to face arch-rivals Manchester United next in a crucial Premier League fixture, Grealish’s potential availability remains uncertain, as he will have to fight a race against time to get fit before Sunday. If he indeed fails to make a cut, his absence will be felt keenly, especially considering his standout performance in City’s previous 3-0 triumph over United at Old Trafford with Haaland scoring a brace and Phil Foden getting a late goal.