'They can select who they want' - Guardiola on Grealish call-up

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that Jack Grealish is not fit to play against Brighton on Saturday, despite the winger being called up by England.

On Thursday, Grealish - who has not played for City since 20 October - was included in Lee Carsley's 26-man squad for England's upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

Carsley said after the announcement that he "expected Grealish to be fit" and he would be assessed when he links up with the national team.

Guardiola said at a news conference on Friday: "It is [Carsley's] decision. In 17 days he didn't train once. [Friday] is the first training and he trained for 20 minutes. This is the reality.

"He was in the gym for a few minutes, yes, the last two days. It's a question for the manager from [England] - I'm not involved. All I'd say is the day after Wolves, he was injured, 17 days out and [Friday] was the first training with the team."

City captain Kyle Walker returned from England duty last month with an injury and, in the aftermath, Guardiola said he had never been as angry as when John Stones was hurt playing in an England friendly during a crucial part of last season.

"They can select who they want," Guardiola added on Friday. "Jack trained today and believes he can help us. I'm not the guy to say you cannot go. But for my team [on Saturday] he's not fit. He cannot play.

"The people from England believe he can help. So go."