Last Updated:
Jack Grealish was forced off after just 30 minutes, crouching down in apparent discomfort due to a groin issue.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish got injured duing UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid (AP)
Jack Grealish could miss the second leg of Manchester City’s Champions League play-off against Real Madrid after suffering a freak injury in the first leg at the Etihad. The forward was forced off after just 30 minutes, crouching down in apparent discomfort due to a groin issue. With City leading by one goal, Grealish was replaced by Phil Foden.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who was part of the commentary panel, suggested that a lengthy VAR delay may have contributed to Grealish’s injury. The 29-year-old had played a crucial role in Manchester City’s opening goal, delivering a well-placed floating cross to Josko Gvardiol inside the Real Madrid box. The Croatian full-back chested the ball to Erling Haaland, who fired it into the far corner to break the deadlock.
The referee suspected Haaland might have been offside and referred the decision to VAR. The review process took several minutes, which Shearer believes disrupted the game’s rhythm and could have negatively impacted the players physically.
“I mentioned it, it certainly doesn’t help when you’ve got elite athletes standing around for four minutes. It cannot help you or your body, it’s not acceptable that players had to wait for so long,” Shearer said, as per The Mirror.
“I was just saying about how well of a start he had made to the game. It would be such a shame if he had to go off. He’s played a huge part in the goal,” he added.
Grealish has not been at his best this season. He has started in only 13 games across all competitions. According to boss Pep Guardiola, the other wingers like Savinho have performed well which led Grealish to fall in the pecking order.
“Jack has this sense of the street. He is a player of the street. Jack is a fighter. He is there to fight in the stadiums when the people shout. He didn’t play the last games, mainly because Savinho on the left side had an incredible connection with Erling (Haaland) but the season is still open,” Guardiola said ahead of the home game against Real Madrid.
Despite taking an early lead, Manchester City ended up losing the Champions League play-off at a scoreline of 3-2. Kylian Mbappe scored the first equaliser in the 60th minute while Haaland restored the lead by converting a penalty. Brahim Diaz made it all square again for the visitors before Jude Bellingham struck the winner late in the stoppage time. The second leg is scheduled for February 20.
