Why Jack Grealish misses Manchester City’s Asian tour
By Joel Masibo, July 29, 2026Manchester City forward Jack Grealish has not been included in Enzo Maresca’s travelling squad for the club’s pre-season tour across Asia, with the England international continuing his recovery from a long-term injury.
The Premier League champions are preparing for three friendly matches in Asia, beginning with a showdown against Italian champions Inter Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday. City will then travel to South Korea, where they are scheduled to face the K League All Stars on August 5 before concluding the tour against Atletico Madrid in Seoul on August 9.
Maresca has selected a 28-player squad for the trip, but Grealish’s absence has attracted attention amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Injury behind Grealish’s omission
Although the decision is likely to fuel transfer rumours, reports indicate Grealish has remained in Manchester to focus on his rehabilitation rather than because of any immediate plans to leave the club.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a serious foot injury in January and is still working toward full fitness. He spent last season on loan at Everton, leading to uncertainty over whether he will remain at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite the speculation, Maresca recently suggested Grealish could still have a role to play at Manchester City, although the possibility of a move before the transfer window closes has not been ruled out.
Squad selected for Asia
City’s touring group features four goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Max Chabot, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jack Wint.
Defenders travelling include Rayan Ait-Nouri, Max Alleyne, Kaden Braithwaite, Josko Gvardiol, Matty Henderson-Hall, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Stephen Mfuni and Vitor Reis.
The midfield department consists of Claudio Echeverri, Nico Gonzalez, Jaden Heskey, Mateo Kovacic, Xavier Parker, Tijjani Reijnders and Floyd Samba.
In attack, Maresca has selected Ryan McAidoo, Phil Foden, Savinho, Jeremy Monga, Divine Mukasa, Divin Mubama, Antoine Semenyo and Mahamadou Sangare.
Other notable absentees
Manchester City have also confirmed that players who reached the World Cup quarter-finals have been granted additional time off and will not participate in the Asia tour. Those unavailable include Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, James Trafford, Rodri, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.
Footballers whose countries exited at the Round of 16 stage are expected to join up with the squad later in pre-season.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips has also been omitted as he edges closer to another temporary move away from the club. The midfielder, whose Manchester City contract runs until 2028, is reportedly set to return to Sheffield United after spending the latter half of last season with the Championship side.
Grealish’s contract is also entering its final year, adding another layer of uncertainty over what lies ahead for the experienced winger as the summer transfer window progresses.