Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that Jack Grealish has suffered a stress fracture in his foot, an injury expected to sideline the player for approximately two months. The 30-year-old winger, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has been a key contributor for the Toffees this campaign, registering two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
Moyes described the injury as a “big blow,” acknowledging Grealish’s significant role in the team’s performances, which have lifted them to tenth in the table. The club is liaising with parent club Manchester City regarding the player’s rehabilitation plan. The timing severely disrupts Grealish’s hopes of regular football to force his way back into England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup prospects suffer a major setback
The injury represents a cruel setback for Grealish’s international ambitions. Having not featured for England since October 2024 under interim manager Lee Carsley, he faces a battle to impress current boss Thomas Tuchel. The lengthy layoff almost certainly rules him out of March’s international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
With competition for wide attacking roles fierce from players like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon, Grealish will have a limited portion of the season remaining upon his return to make a compelling case for World Cup selection. His absence is a clear detriment to both his personal objectives and Everton’s immediate on-field prospects.
Squad boost from returning players
While losing Grealish, Everton receive a timely boost with the return of several players. Africa Cup of Nations winners Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are back from international duty. Additionally, key figures Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Charly Alcaraz have returned to training after their own injury layoffs.
The team, in decent form with eight points from their last five league matches, faces Leeds United next. Moyes will now rely on this returning depth to compensate for the absence of his influential loan winger as they aim to continue their positive run.
