yes, some apps do need play service or microG for push messages/notifications. I know it from protomail.
So you can go this way:
- start twrp
- mount /system
- open twrp filemanger
- open /system
there you will find the folder ‘priv-app’. In that folders you will find the folder (GmsCore). Now you can MOVE the apk from inside the folder it to an folder insite of your /sdcard. - reboot
if everything working you can delete the apk after all testing. If something don’t work, move the apk back the GmsCore folder