Jack Grealish faces the prospect of undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his foot, with Everton boss David Moyes indicating the midfielder will almost certainly be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
The 30-year-old's season appears to be over following the injury setback, though a final decision on whether an operation is required has not yet been made.
"We believe Jack Grealish is probably going to need surgery. That's still not absolutely confirmed, but it probably rules him out for the rest of the season," Moyes said.
It remains unclear whether the on-loan winger will return to parent club Manchester City during his rehabilitation period.
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The injury represents a significant blow for Grealish, who had enjoyed a superb beginning to his spell at Goodison Park.
In his opening two Premier League appearances for the Toffees, he contributed four assists, immediately making an impact following his move from the Etihad.
Some supporters believed his performances had strengthened his case for a recall to the England setup under Thomas Tuchel.
Jack Grealish has played 20 times for Everton in the Premier League this season, scoring twice | PAHis most recent international appearance came in the October 2024 fixture against Finland, and the German coach held discussions with him following Everton's victory at Old Trafford in November.
Despite those conversations, Grealish has yet to feature in any squad selected by Tuchel since his appointment.
When asked about his absence from the national team earlier this season, Grealish played down suggestions of any deeper issues with his international situation.
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England's record in their last five major tournaments | GB NEWS"You know what? I don't think it's as deep as everyone says," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"At the end of the day, you want to play for the national team but people are doing well in my position.
"I'm doing well also, but the people picked last month did really well in the two games so that's fine with me."
The midfielder expressed full support for Tuchel's selection choices, adding: "That's the manager's decision and I fully respect that."
Wayne Rooney backed Grealish for World Cup inclusion when speaking in October, suggesting his form would put him in contention for the summer tournament.
"All Jack can do is keep doing what he is doing," Rooney told the BBC.
Jack Grealish has 39 caps for England | PA"I'm sure if he keeps doing that he will be there or thereabouts come the summer. If Jack plays his talent will show, so I'm sure he'll be giving the England manager a headache."
However, with Grealish's injury woes increasing, his hopes of playing in the tournament have suffered a major blow.
Meanwhile, Everton have received a boost ahead of Saturday's fixture against Brighton.
Michael Keane returns to the squad following a three-match suspension, while Jarrad Branthwaite made his first appearance of the season on Monday, completing 45 minutes of action.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also regained fitness, though Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam remain some way off returning.