Jack Grealish’s Everton revival cut short as surgery ends season early

Jack Grealish has admitted he “didn’t want the season to end like this” after confirming he has undergone surgery on a foot stress fracture, bringing his campaign to a premature close and dealing a major blow to his hopes of forcing his way back into England contention.

The 30-year-old midfielder had been enjoying a productive season on loan at Everton from Manchester City, rebuilding momentum and confidence after a difficult spell at the Etihad. Instead, what had been shaping up as a timely renaissance has ended on the operating table.

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A cruel injury at the wrong moment

The injury was sustained on 18 January during Everton’s narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, the club where Grealish first made his name. What initially appeared manageable later revealed itself to be a stress fracture, one serious enough to require surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Confirming the news on social media, Grealish struck a defiant but clearly emotional tone.

“Didn’t want the season to end like this but that’s football, gutted,” he wrote.
“Surgery done and now all focus on getting back fit. I know for sure I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before.”

It is the kind of setback that feels particularly harsh given both the timing and the progress he had made since arriving on Merseyside.

Everton loan brings form and freedom

Across all competitions, Grealish made 22 appearances for Everton, scoring twice and providing six assists. Those numbers only tell part of the story. More important was the sense of freedom he rediscovered under a side willing to build around his strengths.

Operating mostly off the left but given licence to drift inside, Grealish once again became a reliable creative hub. He carried the ball, drew fouls, linked play and provided a calm presence in possession, particularly during difficult spells in matches.

Supporters quickly warmed to him, not just for his quality but for the visible commitment he showed to the cause. His performances were increasingly influential, and by January there was a growing feeling that Everton were benefitting from a player rediscovering the joy in his football.

World Cup dreams fade for now

That form had not gone unnoticed beyond Goodison Park. As winter turned into spring, there was renewed discussion around Grealish and a potential England recall ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

His most recent international appearance came under caretaker manager Lee Carsley in October 2024, but the consistency he had begun to show at club level suggested a genuine route back into contention.

This injury, however, all but ends that conversation for now. A foot stress fracture requiring surgery rules Grealish out for the remainder of the domestic season and leaves him racing against time to be fit, let alone sharp, for international selection.

For a player who knows how quickly opportunities can disappear at international level, it is a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

A career of highs and recent frustrations

The setback is another chapter in what has been a contrasting few years for Grealish. After joining Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then British-record £100m, he enjoyed extraordinary success.

During his time at the club, Grealish won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup, becoming part of one of the most dominant sides English football has seen.

Yet individual prominence proved harder to sustain. Last season, his role diminished significantly. He made just seven league starts and was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States, a clear indication that he had fallen down the pecking order.

The loan move to Everton was designed to reset both form and perception, and until injury intervened, it was doing exactly that.

Bond with Everton and its supporters

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Grealish’s statement was the warmth with which he spoke about his temporary home.

“The support I’ve had since coming to this unbelievable club has meant the world to me,” he said.
“The staff, my teammates and especially the fans have been incredible and I absolutely love representing this club.”

Those words reflect a connection that felt genuine rather than performative. Grealish bought into the culture quickly, and the appreciation was mutual. In a season where Everton have relied heavily on unity and resilience, his presence added experience and creativity in equal measure.

He also made clear his determination to remain involved during his recovery.

“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.”

What comes next for Grealish

The focus now shifts entirely to rehabilitation. Stress fractures can be notoriously stubborn, and patience will be key. Grealish will aim to return stronger, not just physically but mentally, knowing that his best football often comes when he plays with confidence and rhythm.

There will also be questions over his longer-term future once the loan spell concludes. Whether he returns to Manchester City with renewed belief, seeks a permanent move elsewhere, or explores another loan will depend heavily on how he recovers and where he fits into future plans.

For now, though, the priority is clear. This is about recovery, resilience and refusing to let another setback define him.

The season may be over earlier than he wanted, but Jack Grealish’s story at Everton feels unfinished rather than concluded.