David Moyes has confirmed Everton winger Jack Grealish is facing a spell on the sidelines with a stress fracture in his foot, admitting the club are still waiting on final specialist advice and that surgery has not been ruled out.
Grealish, who has been one of Everton’s most influential performers in recent weeks, initially reported in for treatment on a calf issue following Saturday’s game, only for staff to discover the foot problem when he returned to Finch Farm on Monday.
“He came in on Monday for treatment on his calf and said his foot was sore,” Moyes explained. “We got it checked and we’ve been waiting on the correct information coming back from the surgeon and whatnot.
“He said he’d felt it for a couple of weeks. He’s a boy who doesn’t want to be injured and he wants to play every game, so he wouldn’t normally flag it up.”
Moyes said discussions are ongoing with specialists over the best course of action, including whether an operation will be required, but the Everton manager was reluctant to put a timeframe on Grealish’s absence.
“That’s part of the discussion to be made with the surgeon,” he added. “We’re not going to get good news. There’s no dates I want to give out at the moment because we’re waiting on a couple of things coming back before we see.”
The setback comes at a frustrating time for both player and club, with Moyes praising Grealish’s impact since joining Everton and the way he has been embraced by supporters.
“It’s a real pity for the boy because he’s doing what he’s good at, enjoying it, and he’s been treated brilliantly by the Everton supporters,” Moyes said. “It’s disappointing that he’s going to miss some time.”
Moyes also reflected on Grealish’s performance against Aston Villa, where he felt the attacker delivered a mature display despite a mixed reception from the home crowd as the game unfolded.
“He’s given us something different,” Moyes added. “He’s definitely helped improve our team generally and our levels. There will be a little dip here and there in the road, but most players do. He hadn’t played many 90 minutes before we brought Jack in.”
On the transfer front, Moyes also moved quickly to shut down speculation around his squad, insisting Everton have had no approach from Fenerbahce for Beto and making clear the club are not looking to sell the striker.
“I don’t know anything about it at all,” Moyes said when asked about reports linking Beto with the Turkish side, with the manager indicating there has been no contact and no encouragement from Everton’s side.
Moyes also laughed off suggestions Romelu Lukaku could be heading back to Merseyside, treating the rumours with humour and giving no indication a return is on the cards.
Elsewhere, Moyes offered encouragement over several players’ progress and praised an improved display from Harrison, while stressing Everton must make the right decision regarding the youngster’s development.
“Harrison did his best game for us, to be fair,” Moyes said. “But I don’t really want him sitting on the bench for me when I think he could be playing football.”
The Everton manager also pointed to signs of growing confidence from striker Chenna Barry, who he said has started to become more vocal in training after scoring what Moyes described as a “big” match-winning goal.
“He’s got four goals now and you’re starting to see him come out of himself a bit,” Moyes said. “He didn’t get many chances in the game, but the one he did get, he took. That’s what you want, one chance and you take it.”
On the squad’s availability, Moyes said Jared and Kieran are back around the group but not ready to play, while Charlie Alcaraz has returned and is being managed carefully as he builds up his fitness.
Everton now await the final call on Grealish’s treatment plan, with Moyes admitting the loss of a key attacker is a significant blow at a crucial point in the season.
