Fresh Trouble For Jack Grealish As Everton Reportedly Prepare Fine After Training Absence

Everton manager David Moyes has defended the club’s decision to leave Jack Grealish out of the squad for Thursday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United following a reported disciplinary issue.

The England international was absent from the encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium after allegedly missing a training session without permission on Monday. Although Everton have not officially provided details surrounding the incident, reports indicate that the midfielder could face a financial penalty for his unauthorised absence.

Speaking after Everton’s victory, Moyes declined to disclose further information but maintained that he supported the club’s decision, describing the matter as an internal issue.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Moyes said he would not discuss the details, stressing that the decision was made by the club and was not something he wished to comment on publicly.

Grealish joined Everton from Manchester City on a season-long loan shortly before the transfer window closed. He has made five Premier League appearances this season and also featured in the club’s third-round Carabao Cup victory over Wolves.

The 31-year-old had already missed Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last Saturday because of illness before the reported disciplinary incident.

Despite his absence, Everton delivered an impressive performance to secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face League Two side Fleetwood Town.

James Garner opened the scoring in the 34th minute before Hayden Hackney extended Everton’s advantage shortly before half-time, scoring his first goal since completing a £16 million move from Middlesbrough.

Thierno Barry made it 3-0 in the 69th minute after converting a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Dan Burn scored a late consolation goal for Newcastle.

Moyes praised his players for maintaining their concentration and delivering a strong performance, emphasising the importance of upholding Everton’s values both on and off the pitch.

The manager said the team had demonstrated the standards expected at the club and commended the players for their efforts throughout the encounter.

Grealish enjoyed a promising start to his previous loan spell at Everton last season, earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. However, a foot injury brought his campaign to an early end in January.

The former Aston Villa midfielder has earned 39 caps for England but has not featured for the national team since scoring against Finland in September 2024.

Everton are scheduled to face Newcastle again in the Premier League on Monday, but Moyes declined to reveal whether Grealish would return to the squad for the fixture.

The manager maintained that he would not disclose team selection details ahead of the encounter.