Jack Grealish's World Cup Ambitions Shattered by Season-Ending Injury
Everton manager David Moyes has delivered a crushing blow to Jack Grealish's aspirations of representing England at the upcoming World Cup, confirming the playmaker is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a serious foot injury.
Moyes Confirms Devastating Diagnosis
Speaking ahead of Everton's Premier League fixture against Brighton this weekend, Moyes revealed the grim prognosis for the 30-year-old Manchester City loanee. "We believe he's probably going to need surgery but that's still not absolutely confirmed," Moyes stated. "It probably rules him out for the rest of the season, yes."
The Everton boss expressed profound disappointment at the situation, acknowledging Grealish's significant contribution since arriving at Goodison Park. "It's really disappointing for the player, the club, for all of us here," Moyes lamented. "He's such an important part and he's a big character with big experience for us and we'll miss him."
World Cup Dream in Tatters
This injury represents a catastrophic setback for Grealish's international ambitions. The former Aston Villa star last featured for England in September 2024 and had been hoping to impress manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of this summer's tournament selection.
Grealish had previously acknowledged the intense competition for places in the England squad, particularly in his preferred left-wing position. "I understand there's a lot of competition," he told Sky Sports recently. "Rashy's [Marcus Rashford] flying, [Eberechi] Eze, Anthony Gordon - everyone's doing so well."
Everton Future Now in Serious Doubt
The injury has also thrown Grealish's potential permanent move to Everton into considerable uncertainty. The Merseyside club hold an option to sign the midfielder permanently for £50 million, but this serious setback complicates any potential deal.
Several factors now influence this decision:
- The severity of Grealish's foot injury and his recovery timeline
- Everton's potential to negotiate a reduced fee given the circumstances
- Grealish's contract situation at Manchester City, with just 12 months remaining when he returns
- The player's age and the significant financial commitment required
Background to the Manchester City Departure
Grealish became surplus to requirements at Manchester City during the previous campaign, with manager Pep Guardiola making his position clear by excluding him from the Club World Cup squad last summer. City's substantial investment in other attacking options, including the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo, further limited his opportunities at the Etihad Stadium.
The creative midfielder had shown promising form during his Everton loan spell, demonstrating the qualities that prompted City to pay a British-record £100 million for his services in 2022. His absence now leaves a significant void in Everton's attacking options as they navigate the remainder of the Premier League season.
This injury represents a personal tragedy for Grealish, who faces an extended period of rehabilitation while watching the World Cup from the sidelines, and creates substantial complications for both his club and international future in professional football.
