Jack Grealish has thanked Everton fans for their support after undergoing surgery on a fracture in his foot which will rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old saw a specialist last month after reporting for treatment at Finch Farm for what was assumed to be a calf problem.
Further investigations found the issue was significantly more serious, with Grealish having suffered a stress fracture in his left foot.
Everton had feared that Grealish may need an operation to rectify the damage, with the on-loan winger revealing on Monday night that he has now undergone surgery.
Grealish shared a photo of him in a hospital bed on social media, confirming in a message that his season is over as a consequence and offered his thanks to Everton fans for their support.
‘Didn’t want the season to end like this but that’s football, gutted,’ Grealish wrote.
Jack Grealish has confirmed his season is over after he underwent surgery on a stress fracture of his foot
Grealish thanked Everton fans for their support and declared ‘I absolutely love representing this club’
‘Surgery done and now all focus on getting back fit. I know for sure I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before.
‘The support I’ve had since coming to this unbelievable club has meant the world to me.
‘The staff, my teammates and especially the fans have been incredible and I absolutely love representing this club.
‘I’ll be backing the lads all the way and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible.
‘Thank you again for all the love, it means so much. UTFT.’
The season-ending injury extinguishes any lingering hopes that Grealish could force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in time for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Everton boss David Moyes revealed last week that Grealish was likely to remain at the club to do his rehabilitation, rather than return to his parent side Man City.
Everton retain an interest in taking Grealish on a permanent deal this summer.
Grealish has made 22 appearances during his loan spell at Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists.
Following news of Grealish’s injury, Everton signed Chelsea winger Tyrique George on deadline day on a loan deal until the end of the season.
He received plenty of support from fellow players, with City star Erling Haaland, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and England stars Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers wishing him well.
Others to send him messages included Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, Burnley’s Kyle Walker, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Tottenham’s James Maddison and Brentford’s Jordan Henderson.
