'I'm hearing' - Gabby Agbonlahor says what will now happen with Jack Grealish after hammer Everton blow
On-loan Man City winger Jack Grealish has suffered a foot injury and his former Aston Villa team-mate has reacted.
Gabby Agbonlahor told of his disappointment that Jack Grealish has suffered a blow.
Everton confirmed that the winger has picked up a foot issue and he is set to see a specialist. The Athletic reports that Grealish has a suspected stress fracture and may face months rather than weeks on the treatment table.
After joining the Toffees on a season-long loan from Manchester City, Grealish has become a fans’ favourite on Merseyside. He has registered two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances, with David Moyes’ side sitting 10th in the table following a 1-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend.
Agbonlahor played with Grealish at Villa and is gutted his former team-mate has sustained a blow that is likely to rule him out of a return to England’s squad for the World Cup later this year.
What’s been said
The ex-striker explained that Grealish is likely to return to his parent club City for rehab. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “It’s disappointing because in his mind he’d have thought: ‘I still have a chance of impressing the [England] manager Thomas Tuchel. There was a clip of him talking to [Tuchel] in the tunnel after the Villa game.
“For any player, injuries are frustrating but if I’m hearing it’s a stress fracture, maybe a broken foot, then his season is definitely over and maybe looking towards pre-season now. A big shame but I’m sure he’ll come back strong.
“When you’re on loan and and get an injury for that long, you normally go back to your parent club. Just frustrating because he’s enjoyed his time at Everton. With a stress fracture, a broken foot, I don’t even think he runs again this season. We’ve only got three-and-a-half months left of the season. Definitely, I think his season is over and it’s frustrating. He’s done decent, Everton fans love him, David Moyes enjoyed him being there and it’ll be interesting what happens in the summer.”
Will Everton sign Jack Grealish permanently?
Everton have the option to buy Grealish for £50 million at the end of the season. Blues boss Moyes has already admitted that the fee would have to be lower given that Grealish is 30.
Asked if Grealish will stay at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the long term, Agbonlahor replied: “It all depends. He's got one year left at Manchester City and if he leaves, I’m sure it will be on a permanent.
“Will City want, because I'm sure the fee for Everton will be £30-40 million, so it will be interesting who pays that with a year left. But what he’s shown during his Everton season so far, I’m sure he’ll be in the Premier League next season. Someone will definitely have a go of getting him in. Experience, six assists in 20 appearances and two goals.