Jack Grealish’s hopes of returning to the England setup for the 2026 World Cup have suffered a major setback after Everton manager David Moyes confirmed the winger could miss the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old, currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, has revived his career on Merseyside with a series of strong performances. Grealish has contributed two goals and six assists and has been a regular starter under Moyes, making 18 Premier League starts.
However, that momentum has now been halted by a serious foot injury that may require surgery. Speaking to reporters, Moyes admitted the situation looks bleak for both player and club.
“We believe he probably needs surgery,” Moyes said. “It’s not absolutely confirmed yet, but it would likely rule him out for the rest of the season.”
The Everton boss described the news as a major disappointment, highlighting Grealish’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“He’s a huge personality and brings a lot of experience to the squad. He’s done some really good things for us, and we’ll miss him.”
When questioned about Grealish’s long-term future beyond the current campaign, Moyes insisted it was too early to speculate.
Grealish has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, and his improved form had sparked talk of a potential England recall under new national team manager Thomas Tuchel. But a prolonged absence would make selection difficult, especially with strong competition on the left wing from the likes of Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers.
Even if Grealish were to return before England’s opening World Cup fixture against Croatia in June, months without match fitness could leave him short of contention.
The former Aston Villa captain has endured a challenging few seasons since his £100 million move to Manchester City, losing his regular place under Pep Guardiola after playing a key role in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023. His club struggles also saw him fall out of favour with England, with his last international appearance coming in October 2024.
Earlier this season, Grealish played down concerns over his international absence, stating his focus remained on performing consistently at club level.
For now, Everton and England alike must wait for clarity on the extent of his injury — but the signs suggest a long road back for one of England’s most gifted attackers.