Pre-season plans taking shape
Enzo Maresca wants Jack Grealish on the plane when Manchester City head to East Asia this week, though the final decision will be made late. The 30-year-old is still working his way back after foot surgery in January.
Grealish underwent an operation on a stress fracture in his left foot following an injury sustained during Everton's 1-0 win over Aston Villa. Before that setback, he had managed two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
The problem ruled him out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the FIFA World Cup. He spent the rest of the 2025-26 campaign in rehabilitation.
Return to training
Grealish has now returned to grass training for the first time after a five-month layoff. But he is still not considered close to full fitness, five months on from the surgery.
Maresca has made clear he is keen for Grealish to join the squad's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul. City are scheduled to face Inter Milan, a K-League All Stars XI and Atletico Madrid across a series of friendlies.
The decision on whether Grealish travels will be made late, given his current condition.
Phillips in better shape
Kalvin Phillips is in a different position. According to Sam Lee, Phillips is confirmed as included in the tour squad, returning from his own period of limited involvement at the club.
Phillips has returned to full fitness and is available to Maresca from the earliest stages of pre-season. He is participating in Maresca's opening pre-season programme alongside the players already present at the City Football Academy.
One straightforward inclusion, one lingering question mark. Grealish has a year remaining on his contract.