Everton's confirmation that Jack Grealish has a foot stress fracture is a major blow; punters may favour Everton under 2.5 goals or back opponents to hold a draw/win while Grealish is sidelined, as his absence will likely reduce Everton's creativity and goal threat.
Grealish Sidelined with Stress Fracture
Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that Jack Grealish has suffered a stress fracture in his foot and will see a specialist as the club awaits a full prognosis. The on-loan Manchester City forward played the full 90 minutes in the recent 1-0 win at Aston Villa but is now facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Moyes: “A Big Blow” for Everton
Moyes described the situation as “a big blow” and stressed ongoing contact with Manchester City as Everton assess options. He refused to put a timeframe on Grealish’s absence and said the injury will factor into the club’s January transfer thinking. “It’ll add to our thinking (in the window), that’s for sure,” Moyes said, while acknowledging the practical challenges of signing reinforcements.
Squad Context: Injuries, AFCON Returns and Suspensions
Everton’s squad has been stretched by injuries, suspensions and international call-ups. There was positive news as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carlos Alcaraz returned to training after knocks, and defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been taking part in sessions and is nearing a comeback. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye have returned from AFCON and will be assessed ahead of the upcoming home game with Leeds United.
Current Absences
Tim Iroegbunam remains out with a groin problem, while Michael Keane will serve the final match of his three-game ban. Those issues compound the loss of Grealish and limit Moyes’s selection options in attacking areas.
Transfer Window Implications
Everton had already been exploring additions in January — chiefly a striker and a right-back — but Grealish’s injury could push a winger onto the priority list. Moyes confirmed the club will consider whether to bring in cover, though he warned that acquiring targets is “a different story” given the constraints of the market.
Young Talent and Squad Management
Teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong impressed in the Aston Villa win and Moyes praised his performance, but the manager is weighing whether to send the 19-year-old back out on loan to Preston North End or retain him as cover while injuries bite. Moyes indicated he is prepared to keep Armstrong if required.
What This Means on the Pitch
Grealish’s creativity and ability to unlock defences will be missed, reducing Everton’s goal threat and their capacity to dominate possession in the final third. That tactical gap places pressure on Moyes to adjust formations or find a like-for-like attacking replacement before the window closes.
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Moyes confirmed Grealish has suffered a stress fracture in his foot and said the club would assess whether to move for a replacement.
Theathleticuk
