David Moyes Fears Jack Grealish Could Face Surgery After Everton Injury Blow

Everton manager David Moyes has admitted he fears Jack Grealish may require surgery after the club received worrying confirmation over the extent of the midfielder’s foot injury.

The 30-year-old England international has been assessed by a specialist after it emerged that he is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, an issue that has troubled him for several weeks. Everton are still awaiting full medical guidance to determine the severity of the injury and whether an operation will be required.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the diagnosis was confirmed, Moyes did not hide his frustration at losing one of his most influential players and acknowledged the setback comes at a difficult time for the club.

“It’s not for me to give the timescales — we haven’t got that yet from the doctors,” Moyes said. “But he does have a stress fracture in his foot, that’s all I can tell you. It’s a big blow because he’s been hugely important to us since the start of the season and he’s played a big part in the team.”

Discussions over potential surgery will take place once Everton receive further medical advice. The injury came to light following the Toffees’ impressive victory away at Aston Villa on Sunday, a match in which Grealish played the full 90 minutes and delivered a composed and influential performance against his boyhood club.

Grealish initially appeared to have suffered a calf injury during the match at Villa Park, but conversations with Everton’s medical staff revealed that he had also been experiencing persistent pain in his foot.

“He’s felt it for a couple of weeks,” Moyes explained. “He’s a player who doesn’t want to be injured and wants to play every game. He picked up a calf injury in the game — he took a kick in front of the bench — and came in on Monday for treatment. We had it checked and then he went to see a surgeon for another assessment.

“When I asked him about it, he said he’d felt it for a wee while. He could just feel something there.”

Moyes conceded that Everton supporters are likely to share his disappointment, praising Grealish’s contribution since arriving at the club and the reception he has received from the fanbase.

“It’s a real pity for the boy,” he added. “He’s been enjoying himself, doing what he’s good at, and the Everton supporters have backed him brilliantly. They think a lot of him and it’s disappointing that he’s going to have some time off. He’s given us something different, and we have to praise him for that.”