Reasons to be positive about Grealish injury - McPartland

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Jack Grealish's foot injury could benefit Everton during their "transition season", according to Toffee TV's Peter McPartland.

Everton confirmed that Grealish, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, is being assessed, with a return date to be confirmed.

The 30-year-old winger has played a big part in the Blues' season, making eight goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances.

McPartland says that the team will miss Grealish during his spell on the sidelines.

"It's really disappointing," McPartland told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Jack's one of our best players.

"Even when he doesn't have a massive influence on a game, he does attract the opposition to him, and he can hold the ball really well, allow the team to get up the pitch - which I think is one of the major reasons that David Moyes wanted him in the team."

Against Leeds on Monday, Everton will be boosted by the return of Afcon champion Iliman Ndiaye.

This - combined with the opportunities for development which arise elsewhere - mean that Grealish's absence has come at a good time, McPartland argues.

"The one thing I would say - and this is why I'm a little bit more positive - if it had happened in October, I'd have been really worried," McPartland said.

"I think now we're in a much better position to cope with it - even though he is such a good player.

"This season, you want to take the benefits.

"I think one of the major benefits of this season could be Harrison Armstrong, Merlin Rohl, Tim Iroegbunam, Tyler Dibbling coming through, Thierno Barry's starting to score goals - they're the positives.

"It's a transition season. And I think this is now where some of these players will step up."

You can listen to the full discussion of Jack Grealish's injury on BBC Sounds

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