Manchester City resumed pre‑season training last week, and 30‑year‑old midfielder Jack Grealish was among the players reported. Yet his hopes of wearing the City shirt again were cut short when he missed the flight that will take the squad to Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days.

Grealish is still recovering from a season‑ending foot injury sustained in January during a loan at Everton, a setback that also halted his chance to feature for England at the World Cup. With his contract ending next year and a reported £300,000‑a‑week wage, Grealish now sits at the centre of speculation. New manager Enzo Maresca has said the player is still a City asset, but whether he will be reintegrated or sold remains unclear. Maresca’s comments hint at a cautious approach, especially after Grealish has been photographed drinking in recent months.

The tour will feature a mix of stars—Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and international talent like Gianluigi Donnarumma—alongside a squad of 28 players. City will face Inter Milan in Maresca’s first game, followed by matches against K‑League All Stars and Atletico Madrid. Grealish will be watching from the sidelines, hoping the season can still be salvaged.