A key figure in City’s march to a historic Treble last term, Grealish’s impact so far this term has been hindered by a frustrating dead leg injury he picked up in August’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United.
It led to him being laid low for the best part of a month.
However, having figured for England during October’s international break, the 28-year-old came off the bench in the second half of last Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton.
Addressing the media in Switzerland ahead of Wednesday night’s latest Champions League Group G clash away to Young Boys, the City boss was unequivocal when asked about his expectations about what Grealish can provide for the rest of this season.
But he said the challenge for him and every other player was to compete with their team-mates for the right to earn selection.
TICKETS & HOSPITALITY | CITY V YOUNG BOYS
“I don’t have not one second, piece or doubt about Jack and his quality and what he has done for us since he arrived two years ago, and especially last season,” Guardiola declared.
“It’s difficult when in your first season you don’t play all the games and then in the second, he played a lot, not just in the Champions League but the Treble.
“He was decisive and gave us something unique - the power, strength, mentality.
“But right now, he has the rhythm and the injury was long. The doctor said he had never seen a knock like that in that position from a long time ago.
“He started the season a little bit late and when the restart happened he had a big impact against Sheffield United, after one month off.
“When you’re one month off he needs rhythm - he’s not like Phil or Bernardo who need two or three training sessions to be ready.
“But we need him. He’s incredibly focused to get back and we’re going to use him and we believe he will help us. He knows and everyone knows there is competition.
“He has to fight his mates and brothers to play. It’s strange to say, you are competitors and enemies during the week and then brothers [during games].
“The group of guys we have, the relationship is beyond exceptional. But they have to convince themself they are ready. Sooner or later the opportunity comes, and you have to be ready.
“It is what it is, but in previous seasons we played with Phil, Raheem or whatever. It is what it is but I am fully calm and confident that Jack is an incredibly important player for us.
“We have to get the rhythm in training and the minutes he has. But he will get it because of the amount of games [we are involved in].”
Young Boys v City app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from Switzerland in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:45 (UK).
We will have special guests David James, Keith Curle and Paul Dickov on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will also be available later in the evening.
