Jack Grealish was a surprise omission from Everton’s squad to face Newcastle on Thursday. The Toffees take on the Magpies in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, but were without their talismanic winger at the Hill Dickenson Stadium.
Disciplinary action confirmed
Grealish, on loan on Merseyside from Manchester City for the second season running, was left out intentionally by manager David Moyes, with Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George preferred out wide. The England international was excluded from the cohort completely, with Everton confirming on social media that the attacking midfielder was out due to a disciplinary action.
Defender Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury woes continued as the centre-back continued to be sat out with a concussion. The statement 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.”
Impact on the Toffees
It remains unclear as to what exactly Grealish’s discipline breach refers to, but his absence will likely be sorely felt by the Toffees. The winger laid on eight goal contributions - two goals and six assists - in his first loan spell in Liverpool last term, which was curtailed by a stress fracture in his foot.
He returned in the dying embers of the summer transfer window having made a number of substitute appearances for parent club Man City under new boss Enzo Maresca, but the signings of Allan and Iliman Ndiaye restricted the £100m signing’s game time further at the Etihad Stadium.
