MusaJack Grealish was left out of Everton’s Carabao Cup squad for their fourth-round clash against Newcastle United after reportedly breaching club discipline, adding an unexpected setback to his efforts to regain consistency under David Moyes.
The Toffees welcomed their Premier League rivals to Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the match offering the Manchester City loanee an opportunity to gain valuable minutes and improve his match fitness after spending a significant part of last season sidelined through injury.
However, Grealish was noticeably absent from the team sheet, and Everton confirmed that his omission was not related to a fitness concern.
In a statement released ahead of Thursday’s encounter, the club said: “Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined for a second successive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline.”
Everton have not publicly revealed the exact nature of the disciplinary issue. However, the Liverpool Echo reported that Grealish failed to attend a training session after missing Saturday’s 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal because of illness.
The development comes just weeks after Moyes outlined his expectations of the experienced winger, stressing that he wanted Grealish to demonstrate leadership, professionalism and a willingness to guide the club’s younger players.
The Everton manager had previously spoken about the importance of the 31-year-old embracing his responsibilities both on and off the pitch.
“I think Jack knows what I expect now. We had lots of conversations last year. He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do.
“But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model. We’ve got Tyrique and Tyler and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them. I think both of them could learn an awful lot from Jack and I want him to become that senior citizen amongst them, somebody who teaches them.
“I think we’ve got a mature Jack Grealish now as well in terms of understanding the game and what is required, being a team player – not that he is an individual but he plays with an individual style.”
Moyes also expressed confidence in Grealish’s ability to handle the expectations surrounding him, believing the winger had the personality and experience to cope with the pressure of performing at Everton.
“If there is one person who would be able to carry that [pressure] it would be Jack, just because of the way he is. He will find it easy to carry expectation and he’ll be happy to do so. That’s his character.
“I do think that is the case [that there is more expectation in the second season] because everybody wants Jack to get back to where he was. His first three months for us last season were hugely important in getting us wins, so now it is about getting him right to perform at that level again.
“He’s had six-and-a-half months out. He’s had no pre-season games, he came on for 15 minutes in the Community Shield, so he’s had no real football and I think Jack is someone who thrives on the football. He gets himself fit through the games more so than the training. We need to be careful and see how he goes but he’s looking good.”
Grealish faces fresh questions over his Everton future
Grealish enjoyed an encouraging loan spell at Everton last season, quickly becoming an important figure in the team before an injury brought his campaign to an early end.
His performances convinced the club to bring him back to Merseyside this summer, giving him another opportunity to rediscover his best form and establish himself as a key player under Moyes.
However, his return has yet to produce the attacking numbers Everton would have hoped for. Despite making six appearances this season, the winger is still waiting to register a goal or an assist.
His latest disciplinary setback has therefore arrived at an important moment, with regular football crucial to rebuilding his sharpness and confidence after an extended spell on the sidelines.
Moyes had made it clear that he wanted Grealish to become a senior figure within the squad, using his experience to influence younger teammates while delivering consistent performances himself.
The manager’s previous comments now provide additional context to the situation, although Everton have not disclosed whether further disciplinary action will follow.
Grealish will need to respond positively to the setback and demonstrate that he can meet the standards expected of him as he attempts to get his season back on track at Everton.
Musa
