Jack Grealish and Phil Foden behaviour warning: Nightclub controversy and what Pep Guardiola has said

Manchester City’s England international duo have been given a warning about their conduct after being left out of the match day squad for Newcastle United fixture.
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Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were both on the scoresheet inside the opening 15 minutes of Manchester City’s 7-0 win over Leeds United last week.

However, both were left out of the match day squad for the following fixture against Newcastle United at St James’ Park which City won 4-0.

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Reports have now emerged saying that the England internationals were not included as part of disciplinary actions after they were pictured on a night out immediately following the Leeds United win.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the duo had been warned over their conduct following the incident.

Here’s everything we know:

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

What did Pep Guardiola say after leaving Grealish and Foden out of Newcastle fixture?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Foden and Grealish had not been rested for the Newcastle fixture and that their absence was part of disciplinary proceedings.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Spaniard said: “I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch and when off the pitch is not proper they are not going to play

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“So they have to be focused all the time because the distractions in the Christmastime and everything that happens - you have to still be focused.”

When will Foden and Grealish return to Manchester City squad?

After missing the Newcastle game, both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are expected to return for Manchester City’s Boxing Day fixture with Leicester City.

Although no official statement has been released, it’s unlikely that the internal disciplinary proceedings would see the duo left out for more than one fixture.

Grealish (26) and Foden (24) both scored against Leeds United and have been regulars in the City starting line-up this season.

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Former Aston Villa captain Grealish has netted four goals in 26 appearances for club and country this season while City youth academy graduate Foden has scored six in 21.

All of Foden’s six goals have come in the Premier League, making him City’s fourth highest scorer of the season so far.

Meanwhile, Grealish has netted three times in the top flight, the same amount as teammates João Cancelo, Ilkay Gündogan and Ferran Torres.

Both featured in England’s last international fixtures as Grealish replaced Foden in the second half of the Three Lions 5-0 win over Albania while Foden played the first half of the 10-0 hammering of San Marino.

Who are Manchester City playing next?

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Manchester City will hope to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League over the next few rounds of fixtures.

City already have a three point lead over second placed Liverpool going into their Boxing Day match at home to Leicester City when Liverpool are due to welcome Leeds United to Anfield.

The Blues will end 2021 away to Brentford on December 29 and kick off 2020 with a mouthwatering New Year’s Day trip to Arsenal.

After an FA Cup clash with Swindon Town, there will be a massive bout in the Premier League title race as Chelsea head to the Etihad on January 15.

City finish off January away to Southampton on January 22.

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