David Moyes provided injury updates over Jack Grealish and several other squad members ahead of Everton's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion
David Moyes admits Jack Grealish has probably won’t play for Everton again in his current loan spell. The first £100million English footballer joined the Blues on a season long-loan from Manchester City on August 12 and after four assists in his first two starts, was named Premier League Player of the Month for the first time in his career in the week of his 30th birthday.
Grealish followed that up with Hill Dickinson Stadium’s first stoppage-time winner to complete a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace and netted the goal that secured Everton’s first-ever Premier League success at Bournemouth.
The Brummie star has played 19 matches in total for the Blues but his return to boyhood club Aston Villa on January 18 looks set to be his last of his current spell after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot.
Asked about Grealish in his pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Moyes said: “We believe he’s probably going to need surgery but that’s still not absolutely confirmed, but it probably rules him out for the rest of the season, yes.
“Look, it’s really disappointing for the player, the club, for all of us here.
“He’s such an important part and he’s a big character with big experience for us and we’ll miss him, he’s done a lot of really good things for us.”
Moyes was then asked if it was too early about what thoughts he might have for the summer with a potential permanent deal given that the player is surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and replied: “Far too early.”
When it comes to the availability of other players in his squad, Moyes was more positive.
He said: “We’ve got Michael Keane back (from a three-match suspension), Jarrad Branthwaite made 45 minutes the other night and Kiernan (Dewsbury-Hall) back.
“We’re still waiting a little bit on Charly Alcaraz (who was on the substitutes’ bench against Leeds United) and Tim Iroegbunam (who wasn’t, but was pictured in training this week), but they’re all certainly getting much closer.
“Are they full fit? Are they fully up to speed?
“Some of them, not quite. But hopefully it won’t take long.”
That means Grealish is currently the only Everton player currently sidelined.