Everton boss David Moyes conceded that Jack Grealish’s injury is a major blow for his side ahead of Monday’s home clash against Leeds United.
Grealish, who joined the Toffees on loan from Manchester City in the summer, has gone from strength to strength at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.
With two goals and six assists from 22 appearances in all competitions, the 30-year-old has emerged as one of Everton’s most creative players, topping the club’s assist charts.
However, the skilled winger suffered a nasty foot fracture during Everton’s 1-0 victory over his former club, Aston Villa, and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Moyes has heavily relied on Grealish this season, and his absence now threatens to compromise the Toffees’ hopes of securing their first top-half finish since 2018/19.
“It’s not for me to give the timescale,” the former Manchester United manager said, as reported by beIN Sports. “We’ve not got it yet from the doctors. It’s a stress fracture in his foot. That’s all I can say.
“It’s a huge blow, he’s played an important part for us since the start of the season. We’ve had a few injuries, but this is a big blow to us.
“We’re in close contact with Manchester City. We’ll see how that works as we go along, and as we get more information from the specialist.
“We’re upset for Jack. We’re not thinking about [his future].”
Grealish’s layoff could force the Toffees’ hand towards the end of the January transfer window, while it could also mark the end of the Englishman’s spell in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Everton head into their home clash against Leeds seeking back-to-back league wins for the first time since the beginning of December, which would move them to seventh in the standings.
That could prove easier said than done, as they face an in-form Leeds side, with Daniel Farke’s charges losing just once in their last nine top-flight outings, including a narrow 1-0 home triumph over Fulham a week ago.
Despite their recent resurgence, the Whites sit only five points clear of relegation-threatened West Ham United and will be desperate to complete their first league double over Everton since the 1990/91 season.
Keen to avenge a narrow 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, Moyes’ side can take heart from their formidable home record against this opposition, having only lost once in their last 16 league meetings on home turf.
