Everton fans have been on a high since the win over Aston Villa, but last night’s news about Jack Grealish has certainly brought many back down to earth.
Everton informed fans that Grealish has sustained a foot injury, with the winger now set to see a specialist.
The club didn’t offer any kind of timeframe for his return. But there have been a number of worrying reports indicating Jack Grealish could miss months rather than weeks.
If that is to be the case, then it’s a major blow for Everton.
Who would you play at left wing in place of the injured Jack Grealish? 🤔
The winger is reportedly facing THREE months out – do Everton need to sign a replacement?
While Grealish’s form has dipped slightly in recent weeks, there is no denying he provides Everton with creativity, as evidenced by his six Premier League assists this season.
Talk has already started about who could replace Grealish going forward.
Some are calling for a new signing to be made, but first we have to wait for the picture to become clearer with the injury.
But Everton may well have a player who can step into Grealish’s shoes in the form of Tyler Dibling.
Window of opportunity for Tyler Dibling amid Jack Grealish injury news
It doesn’t look good for Grealish, with many reporting he has sustained a stress fracture.
That would put him out for an extended period and so, David Moyes will have to work out how best to cover his absence.
And Tyler Dibling is someone who should see this development as an opportunity.
It has been a tricky start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Dibling since his big money move from Southampton last summer.
Expectations were high, but Dibling has been unable to convince Moyes to make him a regular starter thus far, with the likes of Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil all ahead of him in the pecking order.
He’s started just four Premier League games so far, and has been taken off at half-time in two of those – against Crystal Palace and most recently Brentford.
Some have previously remarked how Dibling has been lacking confidence. He was criticised for his showing against Sunderland in the FA Cup, with some saying he looked scared to express himself.
How would you describe David Moyes’ handling of Tyler Dibling so far? 😕
He's made just one league start ahead of Arsenal…
With Grealish potentially out of the picture for a while now Dibling should see this a potential chance.
Ndiaye would likely play from the left, with Dibling to operate on the right side.
Dibling is not so dissimilar from Grealish in that he is a technical player and good ball carrier. He even resembles Grealish with the low socks.
Without doubt, if it’s bad news on Grealish, then Dibling should give Moyes no choice but to make him his replacement.
Dibling can yet come good for Everton
Dibling has come in for a fair bit of criticism this season, but some of it has arguably been a bit harsh.
It cannot be easy to operate when you know you’ve transferred for a fee around £40 million – especially as a young player.
He did not choose that fee, but it’s brought about automatic pressure, and perhaps it has weighed heavily on him.
Dibling is further on in his development than Ndiaye and Grealish were at the same age, so that is definitely reason to have patience with him.
Ultimately, he is a big talent with huge potential.
It’s been a tricky start, but perhaps now this injury to Grealish will prove to be his catalyst.
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