Jack Grealish
Grealish foot surgery ends Everton season, World Cup hopes dashed
England midfielder Jack Grealish has undergone surgery on a foot stress fracture, ending his 2025-26 season while on loan at Everton and ruling him out of contention for this summer’s World Cup.
Grealish, 30, sustained the injury on January 18 during Everton’s 1-0 win over his former club Aston Villa. The midfielder had featured in 22 matches across all competitions for Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists.
“Didn’t want the season to end like this, but that’s football. Surgery done, now all focus on getting back fit. I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before,” Grealish wrote on Instagram.
His strong performances at Everton had sparked speculation about a potential recall to the England squad. However, the injury makes World Cup selection impossible.
Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in August 2025 after falling out of favour at City, where he had won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021. He made just seven league starts for City last season and was excluded from the Club World Cup squad in the United States.
“The support I’ve received at this incredible club has meant the world to me,” Grealish added. “The staff, teammates and fans have been amazing. I’ll be backing the lads all the way and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”
Everton fans and football observers expressed sympathy for the midfielder, who had been pivotal in the team’s campaign under caretaker manager Lee Carsley since October 2024.
With inputs from BBC
5 hours ago