Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has provided injury updates ahead of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal in Cardiff tomorrow. The match, which some may view as a glorified friendly, offers Maresca the chance to secure the first trophy of the season.
Key Absentees for the Community Shield
Maresca's starting XI is likely to be missing several of the club's biggest stars as they continue to build match fitness after post-World Cup breaks. There are also injury concerns to contend with.
Jack Grealish and Savinho Updates
Jack Grealish has only recently returned to team training after recovering from a foot injury picked up while on loan at Everton last season. He is unlikely to play this weekend and looks set for an exit this summer. Should he play for City again, a return against Bournemouth on August 23 appears the earliest possible date.
Savinho, who also looks set to leave City with Spurs interested, did not take part in training on Thursday due to illness. Maresca said on Friday: "He was not part of the session [on Thursday], he was a little bit ill. We'll see today, the session is in the afternoon, so we'll see how he is today and we'll decide [whether he is available vs Arsenal]." Savinho seems unlikely to feature on Sunday, with a return against Bournemouth more likely if he remains at the club.
Rodri and Ryan McAidoo Injury News
Rodri underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup and only returned to England this week. With Barcelona stepping up their interest, it is unclear whether he will play for City again. Sunday will come too soon, and he will need time to regain match fitness. A return against Crystal Palace on August 28 is a possibility.
Ryan McAidoo picked up a shoulder injury during the pre-season tour of Asia. Maresca said on Friday: "The only one is Ryan McAidoo. He had a small problem in pre-season, but he's already worked with us so everyone is fit. Knowing that some of them have arrived just two days ago." McAidoo looks unlikely to feature against Arsenal, with a potential return against Bournemouth.
