Tuesday’s briefing: Jack Grealish confirms season-ending surgery

Jack Grealish has confirmed he will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery.

Thomas Frank is “desperate” for Tottenham to beat Newcastle as Michael Carrick aims for a fifth straight Premier League win as interim Manchester United manager.

Grealish sidelined for season following operation

Jack Grealish has revealed he will be out for the remainder of the season following surgery on his left foot.

Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from Manchester City, sustained a stress fracture during his side’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa last month.

Confirmation of the operation denies Grealish an outside chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

The 30-year-old posted a picture on Instagram in his hospital bed giving the thumbs-up.

He wrote: “Didn’t want the season to end like this but that’s football, gutted.

“Surgery done and now all focus on getting back fit. I know for sure I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before.”

Frank admits Spurs are desperate to start winning

Thomas Frank has admitted Tottenham are “desperate” to win at home to Newcastle on Tuesday.

Spurs go into the midweek fixture in 15th and only six points above the bottom three after a run of just two wins in 16 Premier League matches.

Frank was repeatedly asked about relegation, and while he refused to detail if Tottenham were embroiled in a survival battle, he admitted they are eager to claim a first domestic win of 2026.

“There is no doubt we are desperate to win games,” he said.

“I am focusing on Newcastle. That is a great opportunity ahead of us against a good team. That is the main thing – can we go out there and get three points tomorrow? That will be very good and climb from there, and look forward.”

Carrick insists viral fan will not be included in team talk

Michael Carrick joked the viral fan hoping for a long-awaited haircut will not be making it into his team talk as Manchester United head to West Ham.

Frank Ilett has racked up more than two million social media followers since pledging in October 2024 to grow his hair until the Red Devils secured five victories in a row.

However, the challenge could end after nearly 500 days if Carrick can continue his winning record since succeeding Ruben Amorim by beating his former club West Ham on Tuesday.

“I can say I’m aware of it, yeah,” said Carrick. “My kids have made me aware of it, if anything, but it certainly won’t go into the team talk from a professional level.

“I can understand what’s going on with it, and it does make me smile, but it won’t have an impact ultimately in the end.”

What’s on today?

United will aim to land their fifth straight Premier League win when they travel to West Ham. Chelsea and Everton entertain Leeds and Bournemouth respectively. while Tottenham host Newcastle. In the Scottish Premiership, Hearts will be bidding to pull six points clear at the top with a home match against Hibernian.