Pep Guardiola has said Jack Grealish is not fit for Manchester City’s clash with Brighton despite being called up for England by Lee Carsley.
The 29-year-old has missed the champions’ last five games, but was surprisingly named in the Three Lions’ squad for the Nations League double header with Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley had previously suggested Grealish had trained the last two days but Guardiola disputed those claims.
When pushed further on his fitness he added: “It's a question for the manager of England. No [he's not fit].”
The City boss also confirmed no other players would return against the Seagulls.
“There is no more good news, the same as Lisbon. The same guys who travel are there.”
The champions will be without Ruben Dias and John Stones, as well as long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb against Fabien Hurzeler’s side, with Nathan Ake also still not fully fit.
City have lost their last three games in all competitions, which has only happened two other times in the eight years Guardiola has been in charge, but he remains confident of a turnaround.
“20 minutes against Fulham were not good, against Bournemouth we were not good, but the rest of the games we were good. We are good. We will see what happens.”
City will go top of the Premier League, at least for a few hours, with a win at the Amex Stadium.
