Jack Grealish is expected to miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his foot, according to Everton manager David Moyes.
Grealish, who is on loan from Manchester City, could undergo surgery on the injury sustained in Everton’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on January 18.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton, Moyes said on Friday: “We believe he will probably need surgery, but it’s not completely confirmed yet, but that will probably rule him out for the rest of the season.”
“It’s really disappointing for the player, for the club and for all of us here. He plays a very important role, he’s a big person and a big experience for us. We’re going to miss him. He’s done a lot of really good things for us.”
Asked if it was too early to think about Grealish’s long-term future given his success at Everton before his injury, Moyes added: “It’s too early.”
The potentially season-ending injury is a big blow to Grealish, who had hoped to be included in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
After a disappointing spell at City, Grealish has flourished for Everton this season, and his two goals and six assists in 22 appearances doesn’t quite tell the story of the number of chances the 30-year-old has created.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Check out the best shots of Jack Grealish in the Premier League since joining Everton.
Moyes said Everton will continue to look for opportunities in the final weekend of the January transfer window, but suggested he is not expecting much if any business happens.
“I’d like to say we’re looking, but I think I’ve said this in every press conference,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for. We’re not avoiding it. It’s probably less likely than not…
“We can find players in January, I’m not saying we can’t, but I think you can see that this period is very difficult for a lot of teams.”
Meanwhile, defender Michael Keane returned to Everton’s squad for the game against Brighton after a three-match suspension, while Keenan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite accelerated their returns from injury and both played 45 minutes on Monday.
“Michael Keane is back (from a three-match suspension), Jarrad Branthwaite played 45 minutes last night and Keenan (Dewsbury Hall) is back,” Moyes said.
“We’re still waiting a bit on Charlie Alcaraz (substitute against Leeds United) and Tim Irogbunam (didn’t play, but was pictured in training this week), but they’re definitely getting pretty close.”
“Grealish is gone and his replacement is unlikely – bad day for Evertonians.”
Analysis from Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor:
In news that Everton people didn’t want to hear, manager David Moyes insisted it was too early to talk about what would happen in the summer, but the fact of the matter is that Jack Grealish could have played his last game for Everton.
Everton’s manager admitted Grealish is likely to undergo surgery on a stress fracture in his foot and will likely miss the rest of the season, meaning his loan spell is likely to end before he is ready to play in the Premier League again.
And Moyes once again admitted that it is unlikely that reinforcements will be brought in before Monday’s deadline. They’re looking, but in his words, “more likely than not.”
He also did not rule out the possibility of leaving, although he felt that any decision to release a player would not be detrimental to the team.
It will also be interesting to see if Harrison Armstrong, who has impressed since his return, will be loaned back to Preston. “He didn’t stand out in the Premier League,” was the highest compliment the manager could give him.
Overall, the squad looks stronger, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Keenan Dewsbury-Hall returning as substitutes in the second half against Leeds, and Michael Keane returning from suspension this weekend.
Here, the spotlight turns to moments that could define their progress. Exactly one year ago, Everton played Brighton and won 1-0. Since then, they have won a further nine away games in the Premier League, with no player having won more away games in that time.
Last season, Everton desperately needed points to lower their ranking, but this season, manager Moyes is eyeing a challenge to Europe, where they are only three points behind in sixth place.
Everton’s next six games…
January 31: Brighton (A) – Premier League, 3pm kick-off
February 7: Fulham (A) – Premier League, kick-off, 3pm
February 10: Bournemouth (H) – Premier League, 7.30pm kick-off
23 February: Man United (H) – Premier League, 8pm kick-off (live on Sky Sports)
February 28: Newcastle (A) – Premier League, 3pm kick-off
