Man City’ Guardiola sweating on Grealish, Silva injuries

Pep Guardiola is sweating over the fitness of Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva after both Manchester City men limped off during the 3-1 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Grealish, starting a match for the first time in over a month, was substituted after just 21 minutes with a groin problem while Silva, who scored City's second goal, suffered a violent blow to the ankle in the second half.

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City face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and face a crucial March with matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, Brighton and Arsenal.

“I haven't spoken with the doctor but it looks muscular with Jack,” Guardiola said.

“In recent days his mood in training was much better.

“He felt it on the turf and started complaining. Players can feel it immediately if it's muscular. He wanted to continue but we didn't want to make the damage worse. We'll do tests tomorrow. [Wednesday]. Bernardo has a big blow to his ankle.”

Guardiola welcomed Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland to his squad, but midfielder Mateo Kovacic and defender Josko Gvardiol were unable to travel to Denmark due to injuries.

“Josko is in two or three weeks [out]. This is the ankle ligament. Kova could return. Every game and every practice we lose players and that’s not good.”

Injuries to Grealish and Silva were a blow for Guardiola on a night when City took a big step towards the Champions League quarter-finals.

De Bruyne scored first before setting up goals for Silva and Phil Foden to give the reigning champions a big advantage ahead of the second leg in Manchester on March 6.

“I know how difficult it is,” Guardiola said.

“They are a really tough opponent. We made some perfect concepts today. My job is to warn the players about the qualities they have.

“We showed character, personality and patience. Everyone was at the highest level. It's not decisive but it's a good result. I hope we can reach the quarter-finals.”