Everton are bracing for a potentially significant setback after Jack Grealish was found to have a suspected stress fracture in his foot, an injury that could rule the winger out for several months.
According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days, with a clearer prognosis expected once further examinations are completed. While the full extent of the problem is yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest a prolonged absence may be inevitable.
Grealish featured for the full 90 minutes in Everton’s away victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, a fixture that has now taken on added significance following the emergence of the injury. The issue is believed to have worsened after that match.
The England international joined Everton on loan last summer after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City, with the Merseyside club holding an option to make the move permanent for a fee in the region of £50 million.
Since arriving, Grealish has been a central figure in David Moyes’ plans. He has made 20 Premier League appearances this season, matching his total outing from the entirety of the previous campaign at City, and has contributed two goals and six assists despite a drop-off in output in recent weeks.
Everton’s injury worries have begun to lessen, with Captain Seamus Coleman returning to the bench and Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye set to rejoin the squad following Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is also stepping up his recovery from a long-term hamstring issue. However, Grealish’s setback presents Moyes with another selection headache at a crucial stage of the season.
The Toffees have already committed heavily to the winger’s wages, having contributed a substantial portion of his Manchester City salary; an extended absence would deal a blow to their ambitions of pushing for European qualification.
For now, the Merseysiders must first wait for a specialist assessment to determine the true extent of the damage. Just as the squad appeared to be turning a corner, Grealish’s injury threatens to pull them back into a season increasingly defined by attrition and frustration