Jack Grealish’s season is likely over after Everton manager David Moyes confirmed the on-loan Manchester City forward may require surgery on a stress fracture in his foot.
The injury is expected to bring Grealish’s Everton spell to a premature end and could also damage his hopes of returning to England contention ahead of the World Cup.
Asked for an update before Everton’s clash with Brighton, Moyes said:
“We believe he’s probably going to need surgery but that’s still not absolutely confirmed, but it probably rules him out for the rest of the season, yes.”
Moyes admitted the setback is a major blow for both player and club, adding:
“Look, it’s really disappointing for the player, the club, for all of us here. He’s such an important part and he’s a big character with big experience for us and we’ll miss him, he’s done a lot of really good things for us.”
Grealish made an instant impact after joining Everton from Manchester City, registering four assists in his first two starts and winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
He also scored a stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace and the decisive goal in Everton’s first league win of the season at Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old has made 19 appearances in total, with his outing against former club Aston Villa on January 18 now expected to be his last for the Toffees.
There has been speculation over Everton triggering the reported £50m purchase option in Grealish’s loan deal, but Moyes shut that down for now, saying: “Far too early.”