Here are your Manchester City evening headlines on Thursday, September 29.
Jack Grealish hits back
"We didn't sign him for the incredible [number of] goals and assists he made at Aston Villa."
Speaking ahead the day before Manchester City's 3-0 defeat of Wolves two weeks ago, Pep Guardiola was unwavering in his defence of Jack Grealish. The majority of questions posed to the manager by reporters centred around the form of the English attacker, such has been the constant scrutiny of his performances since City signed him from Aston Villa for £100m over a year ago.
Grealish's underwhelming return of three league goals and three assists in his first season at the Etihad Stadium meant that anything less than a blistering start to this season would be justification for many to label the 27-year-old a flop.
Read more from Grealish here.
READ MORE: Man City can repeat Jack Grealish tactic to make Manchester United statement
City injury update ahead of Manchester United clash
John Stones was missing from Manchester City training on Thursday ahead of the derby with Manchester United on Sunday. Stones was substituted during England's Nations League draw with Germany on Monday after appearing to feel his hamstring - something England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed after the game.
And Stones was absent as City's internationals returned to the City Football Academy to turn their attention to the United game this weekend, although there was another boost as Aymeric Laporte was among the group training.
In footage from Sky Sports News, most first-team players were present, including Laporte who is yet to feature this season after undergoing surgery in the summer. He has been easing his way back into training in recent weeks, and Pep Guardiola has said he should be back available in October.
Read more here.
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