Jack Grealish is facing up to three months out with a suspected stress fracture, putting the England winger’s World Cup place in doubt
Jack Grealish will be reportedly sidelined for three months after suffering a serious foot injury, a blow that threatens both Everton’s momentum and his hopes of forcing his way into England’s World Cup squad.
The issue has come as a surprise given that Grealish completed the full 90 minutes in Everton’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.
“Understand Jack Grealish will be out for 3 months with stress fracture in his foot,” Fabrizio Romano wrote on X.
“12 weeks out for Everton star as tests made today confirm long break and major blow for #EFC.”
For Grealish, the timing could hardly be worse. The Manchester City loanee had been targeting a strong finish to the season in an effort to reestablish himself in the England picture ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
He has yet to feature for the national side since Thomas Tuchel took charge a year ago, and with just one squad announcement remaining before the tournament, opportunities are running out.
Tuchel is expected to name only one more England squad, for two March friendlies, before settling on his final group for the World Cup.
Everton impact and January transfer pressure
From Everton’s perspective, the injury adds another layer of concern to an already testing period. The Toffees have 16 matches left this season, all in the Premier League, after their FA Cup exit earlier this month.
Grealish was brought in to provide creativity and depth in wide areas, and his potential absence leaves a clear gap in the squad.
Everton are currently covering £250,000 of Grealish’s £300,000 weekly wage during his loan spell, a significant investment for a player they may now struggle to use.
The club do hold a £50 million option to make the move permanent, but unless that clause is triggered or a fresh agreement is reached, Grealish is set to return to Manchester City at the end of the season.
Will Everton a replacement for Grealish in January?
One name under consideration is Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer. According to reports from Germany, relayed by Rudy Galetti, there is “strong attention” from Premier League clubs, including Everton, towards the winger.
Talks are not yet advanced, but discussions are expected to develop in the coming days.
Wolfsburg are said to be open to a sale, though only if a convincing offer is placed on the table. Wimmer has started 13 Bundesliga matches this season, and while he is not viewed as a marquee signing, he represents a possible solution to Everton’s lack of depth in wide areas.