Why Manchester City star Jack Grealish misses Newcastle United clash amid Miguel Almiron jibe

Jack Grealish will miss out on a head-to-head with Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron after he was ruled out of Manchester City’s visit to St James Park.

There had been much talk about the two players meeting just months after Grealish had made disparaging marks about the Paraguayan star during City’s Premier League title celebrations.

Speaking at the heart of the celebrations, the England winger said of their final day win against former club Aston Villa: “There were two secrets… number one, Riyad (Mahrez), taking him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like (Miguel) Almiron...”.

The comments were met with an angry response by United supporters and they were addressed for the first time by Magpies boss Eddie Howe in the buildup to Sunday afternoon’s meeting with the Premier League champions.

When asked of Almiron’s stance on the comments, Howe said: “I haven’t broached that subject.

“I don’t think it’s something we really need to discuss.“I see with Miggy a very happy person whose very content with his football. He’s in a really good place, very positive and I don’t see someone who needs extra motivation.

However, Grealish and Almiron will not meet at St James Park after the City star suffered a knock in last weekend’s win against Bournemouth and failed to recover in time for the visit to Tyneside.

City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed Grealish is on the mend but was short of full fitness to face the Magpies.

He told Sky Sports: “He had an incredible blow in the last game against Bournemouth in the last minutes.

“We're lucky it was just a little, little, little damage to his ligament, but not much. He feels better, but not ready for today.”