Everton manager David Moyes confirmed in a press conference today that on-loan midfielder Jack Grealish has sustained a stress fracture in his foot, delivering a significant blow to the club’s ambitions and the player’s hopes of representing England at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The 30-year-old, who joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City last summer, will see a specialist to determine the full prognosis, but there are fears he could be sidelined for months rather than weeks.
Grealish played the full ninety minutes in Everton’s 1-0 victory at his former club Aston Villa just days before the injury was confirmed.
Addressing the media, a visibly disappointed Moyes underscored the importance of the winger to his side. “It’s a big blow because he’s been hugely important to us since the start of the season,” Moyes said. “He’s played a big part in the team. Look, we’ve had a few injuries, but this is a big blow to us”.
The manager declined to give a specific timeline for recovery, stating, “It’s not for me to give the timescales and we’ve not had it yet… that’s all I can tell you”. He added that the club is in “close contact” with parent club Manchester City regarding the player’s rehabilitation.
The injury represents a cruel personal setback for Grealish, who moved to Goodison Park in search of regular football to revive his international career. Having earned 39 caps, his last England appearance was in October 2024, and he has yet to feature under current manager Thomas Tuchel.
With the World Cup in North America just months away, a lengthy absence severely jeopardizes his chances of securing a place in the squad. Grealish himself appeared to acknowledge the severity of the situation, posting a photograph on social media with a broken heart emoji following the confirmation.
For Everton, the loss is tactical and financial. Grealish has been a creative lynchpin this season, contributing two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances. The club is reportedly covering a substantial portion of his Manchester City wages. His absence also complicates the club’s transfer strategy, with the January window open.
Moyes admitted the injury “adds to our thinking” in the market, though he acknowledged securing a replacement would be difficult.
There is a glimmer of positive news for Moyes as other players return. Defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz are back in training, while AFCON winners Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye have returned to the club.
However, the immediate concern remains the void left by their influential loanee, whose future, both for the rest of the season and a potential permanent move, is now clouded with uncertainty.