Jack Grealish has been left out of Manchester City's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea despite returning to training, casting further doubt over his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
The 30-year-old midfielder reported back for pre-season with the rest of the squad last week, but was not included in the travelling group for City's 11-day tour of Asia.
Sources indicate Grealish is continuing his recovery from the foot injury that ended his season in January during a loan spell at Everton. The injury not only cut short a promising return to form but also ended any realistic hopes of earning a place in England's 2026 World Cup squad.
Now back at Manchester City, Grealish enters the final year of his contract with no indication that a new deal is on the table for the former Aston Villa captain, who reportedly earns around £300,000 per week.
New City manager Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out Grealish's involvement moving forward, insisting the winger remains part of his plans for now.
"At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player," Maresca said.
"It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack... he has a big heart and he is a very good guy. Then we see what happens."
The Italian now faces a major decision over whether to reintegrate Grealish into the first-team squad or approve a move before the transfer window closes.
Grealish's future has also been clouded by widely circulated images showing him drinking during the afternoon on two occasions over the past three months.
The England international became the face of City's historic Treble celebrations in 2023 and has previously dismissed suggestions he is a "party boy," insisting he was simply enjoying the club's success.
However, repeated off-field headlines are unlikely to strengthen his position or appeal to potential buyers.
Kalvin Phillips has also been omitted from City's tour squad, with the club understood to be open to offers for the England midfielder.
The 30-year-old returned after an unsuccessful loan spell at Sheffield United, having struggled for opportunities since his move from Leeds United in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Phillips has played just seven minutes of EFL Cup football for City, leaving his future at the club in serious doubt.
Manchester City have taken a youthful 28-man squad for friendlies against Inter Milan, K-League All Stars, and Atletico Madrid.
Several senior players, including Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, and Nico O'Reilly, have been given extended breaks following their World Cup commitments.
Experienced names such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Antoine Semenyo will help lead a squad featuring several academy prospects eager to impress Maresca.
City begin their pre-season campaign against Serie A champions Inter Milan on Saturday before travelling to Seoul for fixtures against the K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid.
For Grealish, meanwhile, the wait continues as uncertainty surrounds whether his Manchester City career is nearing its end.
