´Happy days´ for Grealish with injury recovery on track

Jack Grealish is desperate to get back out on the field but is delighted with the progress he is making in his recovery from a foot injury.

Grealish, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City last summer, has not featured since January 18, when he played in a 1-0 win over his former club Aston Villa.

In the days after that victory, Everton’s medical staff discovered Grealish had sustained a fractured foot, and would therefore require surgery.

The 30-year-old is unlikely to feature again this season, and has been frustrated watching on as Everton attempt to qualify for Europe.

But he said it is “happy days” when it comes to how well he is progressing in his rehabilitation programme.

“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 told BBC Sport.

“So for me, it’s happy days and so good to hear news like that.

“As a footballer it’s always difficult being injured.

“I came to the Merseyside derby [on April 19] and it got me a bit emotional, because it’s something I miss doing so much.”

Grealish made a flying start at Everton, providing two assists in each of his first two starts for the Toffees.

At the time of his injury, he had provided six assists and scored two goals in the Premier League this term, while creating 36 chances from open play. At that stage, only Jeremy Doku (39) and Bruno Fernandes (40) had created more such opportunities.

Everton are reportedly in talks with Man City over extending Grealish’s stay on Merseyside.

David Moyes’ side, who are 11th but just three points off the top six, host Grealish’s parent club at Hill Dickinson Stadium in their next Premier League fixture.