Man City Asia tour: Grealish’s fitness gamble vs Phillips’ secured spot

Enzo Maresca faces a stark contrast as Manchester City prepares for its Asia tour: 30‑year‑old winger Jack Grealish, still recovering from foot surgery in February, awaits a late decision on his involvement, while midfielder Kalvin Phillips has already earned a confirmed place in the squad.

Jack Grealish underwent surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot in January after the injury occurred during Everton’s 1‑0 win over Aston Villa. The operation ended an encouraging loan spell at Goodison Park.

During that spell the winger recorded two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances for Goodison Park. The statistics underline his contribution despite the short stay.

The injury also ruled Grealish out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the FIFA World Cup, and he spent the remainder of the 2025‑26 campaign in rehabilitation. He returned to grass training after a five‑month layoff, making steady progress but not yet reaching the level required for a demanding pre‑season schedule.

Enzo Maresca has expressed personal interest in taking Grealish on the tour, signalling that he has not written the 30‑year‑old off. Maresca’s desire to expose Grealish to the environment, even in a limited capacity, reflects his belief in the player’s qualities from the treble‑winning season.

Kalvin Phillips, by contrast, has been confirmed as part of the Manchester City pre‑season tour squad. The England international has returned to full fitness and is available from the earliest stages of the programme, giving him a clear opportunity to impress the new manager.

The tour itinerary includes friendlies in Hong Kong and Seoul against Inter Milan, a K‑League All Stars XI and Atletico Madrid. A Late call will be made on Grealish’s participation, with the decision pending his fitness status five months after surgery.

Phillips’ inclusion offers him a chance to build a daily relationship with Maresca and to make his case for a meaningful role at the Etihad Stadium this season.

Grealish still has a year remaining on his Manchester City contract, and his inability to join the tour could further compress the window to stake his claim, especially with a £100 million signing now on the fringes.

Both players return to the Etihad facing significant questions about their futures under a new manager who intends to assess every fringe member before making decisions on their roles. The contrast between Phillips’ clear path and Grealish’s fitness‑dependent uncertainty highlights divergent pre‑season narratives and sets the tone for the final weeks of Manchester City’s preparation in Asia.