Pep Guardiola has suggested he’s unhappy with Lee Carsley’s decision to name Jack Grealish in his England squad for upcoming matches against Greece and Ireland.
The winger, 29, has now played since October 20 due to a groin injury.
However, that hasn’t stopped Carsley from calling up Grealish for the final two matches of his reign as England interim boss.
Carsley said the City star returned to training this week.
England news: Pep Guardiola has suggested he’s unhappy with Lee Carsley’s decision to name Jack Grealish in his squad for upcoming matches against Greece and Ireland.
PA
Yet Guardiola has now hit back, with the City boss insisting the decision is out of his hands.
The Spaniard, speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday night, said: “It’s his decision.
“It’s a question for the England manager, I’m not involved. They can select who they want.
“All I’d say is the day after Wolves, he was injured — 17 days out and Friday was the first training with the team.
“He trained 20 minutes. This is the reality. He was in the gym a few minutes, yes, the last two days. But for my team he’s not fit — he cannot play.
“They can select who they want. Jack trained and believes he can help, so I’m not the guy to say you cannot go.
“All I can say is that over two weeks he didn’t train but the people from England believe he can help. So go.”
It isn’t the first time Guardiola has been left frustrated.
The City boss was angry when John Stones was picked for England internationals in March, despite concerns over his fitness.
Guardiola was asked about Grealish’s own stance on the matter.
And the City boss admitted that the winger wanted to go, adding: “Have I spoken to him? Yes.
“He said, ‘I want to go to the national team’. Am I surprised? No.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
England news: Jack Grealish hasn’t played for Man City since October 20
PA
When asked if England picking Grealish could actually help the former Aston Villa star regain full fitness, Guardiola continued: “Maybe. The manager from the UK will know better.
“Our medical department haven’t told me they spoke with them.”
England have won three of their four matches under Carsley so far.
A 2-1 defeat to Greece last month remains the only time the Three Lions have failed to come out on top on his watch.
England news: Pep Guardiola says Jack Grealish has barely trained despite the Man City star being called up
PA
England recently confirmed Thomas Tuchel as their new manager, with the German set to start working with the side on January 1.
Tuchel brings big expectations, however, given how he’s won trophies with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich throughout his career so far.