Erling Haaland sends five-word message to Jack Grealish after he's left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad

Erling Haaland posted a sad five-word message online reacting to Jack Grealish's omission from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad.

City, who are the holders of the tournament after their 2023 triumph, have jetted out to the United States for the revamped 32-team competition - ahead of games with Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus in Group G.

Pep Guardiola has taken a 27-man squad across the pond for the showpiece, with new signings Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli all included in the travelling party.

However, despite being included in the branding for the new kit the team will be debuting stateside, City's record signing Grealish has been left out in what would appear be a clear hint that he does not have a future at the Etihad Stadium.

Grealish's exclusion comes after speculation linking him with a host of clubs, including former side Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton, West Ham, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen - now managed by Erik ten Hag.

What Erling Haaland posted about Jack Grealish on social media

Despite struggling last season and managing just seven Premier League starts, Grealish has remained one of the most popular members of City's squad and Haaland, one of his best pals, expressed his disappointment about the England international not joining him and his teammates on the trip.

On Snapchat, where the Norwegian is extremely active, he referenced the empty seat next to him and wrote, "Jack Grealish where are you" alongside a sad emoji.

Haaland and Grealish struck up an immediate friendship at City and had been permanent travel partners on all away trips far and wide.

A £100 million signing in 2022, Grealish still has two years on his contract but appears to be available this summer for a fee of £40 million - with England boss Thomas Tuchel urging him to get regular minutes in order to put himself back in contention for his squad.

Having replied to trolls on Instagram recently, Grealish's only reaction to news of his absence was to post a video of him relaxing at the sea while on holiday as he waits for the next steps.

James McAtee is also not in City's Club World Cup as he is participating in the Under 21 Euros with England.