Jack Grealish made his first Everton appearance since the 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea on October 17 as he helped the Blues to a 4-1 win over Derby County in a behind closed doors friendly at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
First Appearance Since Chelsea Loss
Grealish has missed the last four matches for David Moyes' men against Arsenal, Newcastle United (home and away) plus Coventry City. Ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium, the club cited the 31-year-old's absence as being down to "sickness". But before the Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies, Everton stated that the on-loan Manchester City player had been omitted due to a disciplinary breach and he also remained unavailable for their subsequent two fixtures.
After the Blues signed off for the current international break with a 3-1 comeback win over Coventry City – their third straight victory – the ECHO reported that Grealish had returned to the club's Finch Farm training base and was on a tailored programme as he looks to regain his fitness so his reintegration into the side against the Rams will be another step towards that.
Goals and Match Minutes
With Christian Norgaard, who played for the whole contest, Charly Alcaraz bagging a brace and Jonathan Nsangou scoring, the game also provided valuable match minutes for Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney, Merlin Rohl, Michael Keane, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and goalkeeper Tom King.
Nsangou, who is just 16, also netted in another behind closed doors friendly against Championship opposition at Everton's Mersey waterfront home as they drew 3-3 with Blackburn Rovers in the previous international break on October 2.
Next Premier League Fixture
Everton return to Premier League action on Monday, November 23 when they travel to Brentford.
