Jack Grealish expected to miss rest of the season in fatal blow to Everton loanee’s World Cup hopes

Jack Grealish is likely to need surgery on a foot stress fracture and will almost certainly not play again this season, says Everton manager David Moyes. 

Moyes did not say whether or not he will go back to parent club Manchester City for his recovery.

‘We believe Jack Grealish is probably going to need surgery. That’s still not absolutely confirmed, but it probably rules him out for the rest of the season,’ he said.  

It is a major blow for Grealish, 30, who some fans felt had been making a decent case for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad. 

Grealish had a flying start to life at Everton, registering four assists in his first two Premier League starts, though the goal contributions have slowed down significantly. 

His last England cap came against Finland in October 2024 but Tuchel spoke with him after Everton’s win at Manchester United in November. 

It is a blow to his England hopes; he was seen speaking with Thomas Tuchel in November

He is yet to make a squad under the German, but asked about his absence from the national team earlier this season, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘You know what? I don’t think it’s as deep as everyone says.

‘At the end of the day, you want to play for the national team but people are doing well in my position. 

‘I’m doing well also, but the people picked last month did really well in the two games so that’s fine with me.

‘That’s the manager’s decision and I fully respect that.’

In October, Wayne Rooney claimed that Grealish’s form would put him ‘there or thereabouts’ for England’s World Cup squsd.

‘All Jack can do is keep doing what he is doing,’ he told the BBC. 

‘I’m sure if he keeps doing that he will be there or thereabouts come the summer.

‘If Jack plays his talent will show, so I’m sure he’ll be giving the England manager a headache.’

The 30-year-old has been praised for his form at Everton on loan from Manchester City

Michael Keane is back in the Everton squad for the Brighton clash on Saturday after a three-match ban and fellow defender Jarrad Branthwaite played 45 minutes on Monday, his first action of the season. 

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also fit again. Midfielders Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam are a bit further away in their recovery.