Jack Grealish’s 2025-26 season has come to a heartbreaking halt after the Everton midfielder confirmed he underwent surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot. The 30-year-old, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City last summer, revealed the news on February 9, posting a photo from his hospital bed and sharing his disappointment with fans and teammates alike.
Grealish’s injury occurred on January 18 during Everton’s 1-0 win over his former club Aston Villa. Initially, he reported for treatment at Finch Farm with what was thought to be a calf problem, but further investigations revealed the much more serious stress fracture that has now ended his campaign prematurely. “Didn’t want the season to end like this but that’s football, gutted. Surgery done and now all focus on getting back fit. I know for sure I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before,” Grealish wrote on Instagram, echoing the frustration and resilience that have characterized his career.
The injury is a bitter blow not only for Grealish but also for Everton, who have come to rely on his creativity and leadership on the pitch. Since arriving on Merseyside, Grealish has made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing six assists. His performances quickly made him a fan favorite at Goodison Park, and his absence will be keenly felt as the Toffees look to finish the season strongly.
Everton manager David Moyes was candid about the impact of the injury. “It is a blow to lose him. He didn’t come in [complaining] about his foot. He had a kick on the calf and we thought he’d be OK. That it was just a kick on the back of the calf and he would be OK in a couple of days but they checked his foot out and he has a stress fracture. It’s a real pity for the boy. He’s been back at it, enjoying it and doing what he is good at. He has been supported brilliantly by the supporters at Everton. They think so much of him and it’s just disappointing he is going to have some time off,” Moyes told reporters.
Grealish’s loan spell at Everton was seen by many as a chance for him to reignite his career after a difficult final season at Manchester City, where he made only seven league starts and was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup. The move to Everton offered the midfielder an opportunity for regular first-team football and a shot at earning a recall to the England squad ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup. However, with his season now over, any hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad have been dashed.
“The support I’ve had since coming to this unbelievable club has meant the world to me. The staff, my teammates and especially the fans have been incredible and I absolutely love representing this club. I’ll be backing the lads all the way and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. Thank you again for all the love, it means so much,” Grealish added in his social media post, a sentiment that quickly drew responses from across the footballing world. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and England stars Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers were among those to send their well wishes, highlighting the respect Grealish commands among his peers.
Everton, faced with the sudden loss of one of their most influential players, moved swiftly to secure Chelsea winger Tyrique George on loan for the remainder of the season. The signing was seen as a necessary step to bolster the squad’s attacking options, but the void left by Grealish’s absence will be hard to fill. Moyes acknowledged as much, stating, “He’s such an important part, he’s a big character, big experience for us. We’ll miss him. He’s done a lot of really good things for us.”
The uncertainty surrounding Grealish’s future is another subplot to watch in the coming months. Everton reportedly have a £50 million option to buy the midfielder this summer, with only 12 months remaining on his Manchester City contract. While there is interest in making the move permanent, Moyes was cautious when pressed on the club’s intentions, saying it was “far too early” to make a decision given the injury and the recovery process ahead.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also weighed in on the situation earlier in the season, reflecting on Grealish’s contract and his influence at Everton. “I think he has a contract for one more year with us. The important thing is he is back. He is a massive influence in the Everton games. After what’s happened, maybe Manchester City want him back, but I don’t know. Many things are still going to happen. We’ll see. The important thing is he is playing again, a lot of minutes. This is the standard. I’m happy, really, honestly, that he’s back in, trying his best,” Guardiola said, leaving the door open for multiple possibilities once Grealish is fit again.
For Grealish, the setback is particularly cruel given his recent form and the personal journey that brought him to Everton. Speaking earlier in the season, he explained his motivation for joining the club: “People were saying to me, ‘what are you doing going to Everton’, and I was like, ‘what do you mean?’. It’s a massive club. I’m at my best when I feel loved. You know I’m quite vulnerable off the pitch and I wanted to go somewhere to just feel the love again and just wake up with a smile on my face and want to play again.”
Grealish’s last appearance for England came in October 2024 under caretaker boss Lee Carsley, and his performances at Everton had sparked speculation about a potential recall. Unfortunately, the injury has put those ambitions on ice, at least for now. The midfielder’s focus will now be on a full recovery and returning to the pitch stronger than ever—a challenge he seems determined to meet head-on.
As the season moves forward, Everton fans and the football community at large will be watching both Grealish’s rehabilitation and the club’s decision regarding his future. With the summer transfer window approaching and speculation swirling about managerial changes at Manchester City, the next few months promise to be pivotal for one of English football’s most talented and charismatic midfielders.
For now, Grealish remains on the sidelines, but his commitment to Everton and his determination to return have only strengthened his bond with the club’s supporters. As he recovers, the blue half of Merseyside will be hoping to see their adopted star back in action sooner rather than later.