Jack Grealish Injury Recovery ‘Couldn’t Be Looking Any Better’ as Everton Loan Star Eyes Return

Jack Grealish has received an encouraging update on his fitness after surgery on a stress fracture, with his surgeon describing the recovery as progressing as well as possible at this stage.

The 30-year-old England international sustained the season-ending foot injury during Everton’s 1-0 victory over his former club Aston Villa in January. Speaking to BBC Sport, Grealish confirmed the operation took place ten weeks ago and that a follow-up consultation has provided reassuring news. “I feel really good in myself now. I had a 10-week Zoom call with the surgeon, who said it couldn’t be looking any better at this stage,” he said. “So for me, it’s happy days and so good to hear news like that.”

Grealish has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season, contributing two goals and six assists before the injury curtailed his campaign. The midfielder, currently on loan from Manchester City, admitted the enforced absence has been emotionally difficult. “As a footballer it’s always difficult being injured,” he said. “I came to the Merseyside derby game and it got me a bit emotional, because it’s something I miss doing so much.”

With one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, the question of Grealish’s future beyond this season remains open. BBC Sport has previously reported that Everton hold an interest in signing the player on a permanent basis, though any deal would depend on negotiating a fee below City’s rough valuation of £50 million. Grealish credited the Merseyside club for the support he has received throughout his recovery. “I can’t thank [Everton] enough for the way they’ve been with me since I’ve been injured — they’ve been brilliant. From the staff, to the players, to the manager,” he said.

Off the pitch, Grealish has deepened his commitment to Special Olympics Great Britain, an organisation that provides sports training and competitive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Having first taken on the principal ambassador role in 2023, Grealish has now extended that commitment for a further three years. The organisation supports more than 6,500 athletes, including those who compete at the Summer and Winter World Games.

This week, Grealish welcomed ten Special Olympics athletes who completed the London Marathon to Hill Dickinson Stadium. “To have 10 of them run the London Marathon was incredible,” he said. “Years ago people might not have thought that would happen — it’s unbelievable.”

The England international cited a personal connection as a driving force behind his involvement. “My little sister has cerebral palsy — it’s something that’s close to me, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to be involved in,” he said. “I go through life trying to make people happy… all I want to do is to help them as much as I can.”

Grealish’s loan spell at Everton has been one of the more prominent storylines of the Premier League season, with the player having struggled for consistent form and minutes at Manchester City in recent campaigns before making the temporary switch to Merseyside. His future — whether at City, Everton, or elsewhere — is expected to become clearer as the summer transfer window approaches.