Jack Grealish has been left out of Everton's Carabao Cup squad for their fourth-round match against Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium after what the club described as "a breach of club discipline."
The Manchester City loanee was absent from the teamsheet for Thursday's fixture, with Everton confirming his omission was not related to injury. A social media statement from the club read: "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."
Details of the breach
Everton have not disclosed the specifics of the breach, though the Liverpool Echo reports that Grealish did not attend a training session after being unavailable for Saturday's 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal through illness.
The exclusion comes weeks after manager David Moyes set out his expectations for the 31-year-old, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City.
Moyes on Grealish's role
Moyes said: "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."
He added: "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."
Moyes continued: "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."
Return to fitness
Grealish enjoyed a fruitful loan period at Everton last season before an injury cut short his stint with the club. He returned to Merseyside this summer and has made six appearances but is still waiting to register a goal contribution.
Moyes said of the winger's fitness: "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."
