Jack Grealish’s early anticipated recovery from a groin injury has given Manchester City an unexpected boost in fitness.

Due to injury, the 28-year-old was unable to participate in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, which hindered Pep Guardiola’s team’s attempt to win the Premier League for a record four times in a row.

Raheem Sterling’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Rodri’s thunderous shot in the 83rd minute, as Manchester City lost ground on Arsenal and Liverpool as a result of faltering to a second straight draw against Chelsea.

Prior to the weekend, City had been on an amazing 11-game winning streak. However, they were without Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol for Saturday’s draw, while both John Stones and Bernardo Silva were only well enough to be picked as replacements.

Due to damage to his ankle ligament, Gvardiol will likely miss several weeks of play, while Grealish is out due to a groin issue sustained last Tuesday against FC Copenhagen.

At the Parken Stadium, the England international was substituted out after just 20 minutes of his first start since early January due to a groin issue that may cause problems for both Pep Guardiola and Gareth Southgate.

Last season, Grealish, who was instrumental in the Sky Blues’ treble triumph, started both the UEFA Champions League Final and the Emirates FA Cup Final.

The forward, 28, was expected to miss up to three weeks of action, which would have prevented him from playing against Brentford, Bournemouth, Luton Town, Manchester United, and FC Copenhagen.

Grealish’s availability for Sunday’s City vs. Liverpool match was questionable as well, given the preliminary reports regarding the severity of the injury.

Guardiola and Manchester City have gained a significant advantage, though, since the Englishman might return in a few days rather than weeks.

It’s not significantly worse than we anticipated. Thus, it can take ten days (to arrive),” Guardiola said.

“I believe it’s less, but it could be three weeks or a month.” Thus, this is wonderful news!

Following the club’s return from the Danish city in midweek, the confirmation of Grealish’s prognosis was delayed due to a malfunctioning machine.

Prior to the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 3, Grealish will be looking to make a comeback. Later in the month, the forward might play against Luton or Bournemouth.