Everton manager David Moyes has delivered a crushing update on the fitness of star loanee Jack Grealish, confirming the former Aston Villa captain is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign due to a significant foot injury. This development also places a severe question mark over the player's involvement in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
A Devastating Setback for Player and Club
The influential winger, who joined the Toffees on a season-long loan from Manchester City last August, has suffered a stress fracture in his foot. The injury is believed to require surgical intervention, effectively ending his impactful spell at Goodison Park prematurely.
Speaking ahead of Everton's weekend fixture, a resigned Moyes stated, "We believe he's probably going to need surgery... it probably rules him out for the rest of the season, yes." The manager expressed profound disappointment, highlighting Grealish's importance to the squad: "He's such an important part and he's a big character with big experience for us and we'll miss him."
World Cup Ambitions in Jeopardy
This injury represents a monumental personal blow for Grealish, whose hopes of securing a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup finals in North America are now in tatters. The tournament commences on June 11th, leaving insufficient time for a full recovery and return to match fitness.
Grealish's loan move to Everton was seen as a crucial opportunity to regain form and secure his international spot after falling out of favour at Manchester City. His early performances, which earned him a Premier League Player of the Month award, had significantly boosted those prospects before this untimely setback.
A Successful but Short-Lived Everton Chapter
Despite the premature end, Grealish's stint on Merseyside has been notably successful. He made an immediate impact with four assists in his first two starts and scored vital goals, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace. In total, he featured 19 times for the club.
The player himself had recently spoken of his affection for the club and its supporters, telling local media, "Since I've come here... it's just something that's just happened and it's so lovely." He had pledged to help restore Everton's fortunes, making this injury all the more frustrating for all parties involved.
Future Uncertainty Looms
When questioned about the potential for a permanent transfer for Grealish in the summer, Moyes was unequivocal, describing such talk as "far too early." The immediate focus is solely on the player's rehabilitation. Grealish now faces an extended period on the sidelines, with his club future at Manchester City also remaining uncertain beyond this season.
This injury news casts a shadow over what had been a revitalising period for the Solihull-born footballer, who rose through Aston Villa's academy and played over 200 games for his boyhood club before his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City.
