No-one asked us - Pep Guardiola reveals Jack Grealish fury as England call up injured Man City star

A furious Pep Guardiola revealed on Friday that Lee Carsley and the England medical staff did not approach Manchester City before selecting the injured Jack Grealish in the latest Three Lions squad.

Carsley named a 26-man group on Thursday for his final two interim games in charge before Thomas Tuchel takes over in the new year, and there was surprise that Grealish was named in the squad despite missing City’s last five matches through injury.

The 29-year-old has not played since a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 21 October and Guardiola confirmed on Friday that the winger is still not available ahead of the trip to Brighton this weekend.

A seething Guardiola couldn’t contain his obvious anger at the situation, and said that he has not heard from Carsley, nor have the England medical department been in touch with City’s. He also appeared to refute claims from the interim manager that Grealish has ‘been training at City for the last couple of days’.

“[It was] his decision,” Guardiola replied when asked if he was surprised that the ex-Aston Villa man had been included in the squad. “Seventeen days, didn't train once. Today the first training and trained 20 minutes. This is the reality.

“He was in the gym for a few minutes yes, the last two days. It’s a question for the [England] manager – I’m not involved. They can select who they want. All I’d say is the day after Wolves, he was injured, 17 days out and today was the first training with the team.”

Carsley had explained that he ‘definitely wouldn't put a player at risk’ and that a standby list of players were available if required, but a frosty Guardiola was clearly still infuriated by the decision 24 hours later.

“He [Grealish] has to be [motivated],” said the Catalan. “He has to be fit to play. Not only Jack – there are many players this happens to – this is the reality.

“They can select who they want. Jack trained today and believes he can help us – I’m not the guy to say you cannot go. But for my team tomorrow he’s not fit – he cannot play.

“All I can say is that for a couple of days over two weeks he didn’t train but the people from England believe he can help. So go.”

Guardiola also revealed that he had discussed the situation with Grealish, who indicated that he wanted to meet up with the England squad.

He is one of five players who will not be fit for the trip to Brighton, along with John Stones and Ruben Dias, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees. Guardiola also said that Nathan Ake is ‘not fully fit, but getting better’ after he was replaced in last week’s defeat to Bournemouth with a knock.