City without Grealish for Manchester derby

Jack Grealish is unavailable for Manchester City's Premier League game with Manchester United this weekend, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

Grealish has not featured in City's last three league games after suffering a groin injury in the Champions League win at FC Copenhagen, and the midfielder went off injured in the first half after starting Tuesday's FA Cup win over Luton Town.

"No, he will not be fit for the weekend. When he comes back I don't know," Guardiola told a press conference.

"Setbacks are always there in life, he will overcome it."

Guardiola doesn't expect Grealish to return before the international break later this month, when England play two friendly games with Brazil and Belgium.

"No, I don't think so. He has to recover well to use him as much as possible," he said.

"I didn't speak to Gareth Southgate."

City now face a tough run of games in the coming weeks, after United on Sunday they will face their title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the league, along with their Champions League last 16 second leg with Copenhagen on Wednesday.

"And Aston Villa, how nice. I prefer that than the opposite. Key players, we have 20 key players. I know what you're talking about but we have had key players out injured and still done well," Guardiola said.

"So nice to do the fixtures, a chance to get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, then Anfield, a chance against Newcastle United (FA Cup), we work to arrive here to live these moments."

City are second in the standings, one point behind Liverpool and one point ahead of Arsenal, while United are in sixth place, 15 points off City, and Guardiola was asked when their Manchester rivals can expect to challenge for the title.

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