Jack Grealish is under pressure to save Manchester City's season and secure England's place

However, this season could not have been more different, with Grealish on the fringes of City's quest for a repeat treble, his season plagued by injuries, poor form and low confidence.

Since the turn of the year, Grealish has played just 17 minutes in the Premier League, scoring three goals and two assists in 27 appearances in all competitions. He lasted just 21 minutes in a Champions League group stage tie away to Copenhagen, then suffered another injury setback last month in the 6-2 FA Cup win over Luton, the last time he played, although as a substitute. Not used in the match, which the FA won 2-0. Winning the cup over Newcastle nine days ago.

Hamstring and thigh problems may have disrupted his season, the latter the reason for his current enforced absence, but even when he has been fit this season, Guardiola has not been convinced that Grealish is playing at the same level as he was last year.

“He played a lot of minutes last season and this season less,” Guardiola said when asked about Grealish’s reduced influence this season. He added: “But he is the same player, he has the same coach, and the way we play has not changed, it is just the way he performs.”

Grealish's decline coincided with Phil Foden's best season at City, which saw him replaced by his England team-mate in the starting line-up, while new signing Jeremy Doku also provided new competition for wide roles under Guardiola.

In addition to his situation at City, Grealish's place in England is somewhat at risk, although if he is fully fit, he would almost certainly join Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

But with Foden, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford currently ahead of him in terms of selection, and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon impressing on his international debut, Grealish cannot take his place in the Three Lions' squad for granted.

If he continues his recovery without any setbacks, Grealish could be among the substitutes for City's title clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With 10 games remaining in the title race, and City through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup, there is still time for Grealish to play an influential role in their quest for new glory – provided his body holds up and he can hold on. He returns with focus and mentality to perform at his best level.

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