Moyes Says Grealish Still Has a Path Back at Everton
David Moyes says Jack Grealish can still have a future at Everton, but the manager has not set a date for the midfielder’s return. Grealish
David Moyes says Jack Grealish can still have a future at Everton, but the manager has not set a date for the midfielder’s return. Grealish has missed both of Everton’s recent wins over Newcastle after a disciplinary issue, leaving his place in the team uncertain.
“He’s unavailable at the moment,” Moyes said after Everton’s 1-0 Premier League victory at St James’ Park. “We will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back.”
Return depends on club decision
Moyes offered little detail on the circumstances around Grealish’s absence. Asked whether the player was unavailable because of fitness, he repeated that he could not play at present. Asked whether the disciplinary matter had been resolved, he declined to comment.
Everton left the Manchester City loanee out of their Carabao Cup win over Newcastle after what was understood to be an unauthorised absence from training. The club later cited a lack of fitness for his omission from Monday’s league match. Everton has not publicly disclosed further details.
The comments leave open a route back, but make clear that availability alone is not yet settled. Moyes said the club would decide when Grealish could return; he did not say what conditions the player would have to meet or whether he would immediately regain a starting place.
Everton keep winning without him
The timing raises the stakes. Everton beat Newcastle twice in the space of a few days, including a 3-1 cup victory and Monday’s 1-0 league result, secured by Thierno Barry’s goal. The run has lifted Moyes’ side to seventh in the Premier League, two points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
Midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Merlin Röhl have stepped up, while the team’s recent form has improved after defeats by Chelsea and Arsenal and a draw with Hull. That gives Moyes options as he weighs the squad, though the club has not said how Grealish’s absence will affect his longer-term role.
Grealish, 31, is on loan from Manchester City. Everton’s next fixture is at home against Coventry on Friday at 20:00 GMT. Moyes remains unsure whether Grealish will be available.
