Jack Grealish's return to the Everton squad remains unclear, with manager David Moyes hinting that more than a lack of match fitness is behind his continued absence. The 31-year-old missed Everton's Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Monday, with the club stating he was not match fit.
Recent Absences and Club Discipline
Grealish has now missed Everton's last three games. He sat out a Premier League match against Arsenal through illness and was then left out of a Carabao Cup meeting with Newcastle following a breach of club discipline. That breach is believed to be an unauthorised absence from training, for which he was punished as he was not involved in the 3-1 win on October 29.
When the Toffees faced Newcastle again on Monday, this time in the Premier League, the club said Grealish's absence was due to a fitness issue. An Everton statement read: "Jack Grealish is not match fit and therefore not part of tonight's squad."
Moyes' Comments on Availability
Moyes was asked about the situation and seemed to suggest that Grealish was not just unavailable due to match fitness, as the club had stated. "He's unavailable at the moment and we'll make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back," said the Scot.
Asked if his unavailability was due to lacking match fitness, Moyes said: "All I'm giving out is he's unavailable at the moment." On whether the issue of ill-discipline is now over and done with and if he could comment on the matter, the manager said: "No, I can't comment on that."
Future at the Club
Moyes was giving little away as he said he didn't yet know whether Grealish would be available when Everton host Coventry City in the Premier League on Friday night. However, he was clear when asked of the possibility of a return at some stage and a future for the winger at the club, saying: "Of course there is, yes."
A Thierno Barry goal meant Everton made it two wins over Newcastle in Grealish's absence as they climbed to seventh in the Premier League table. Grealish has made five Premier League appearances for Everton this season after returning for a second spell on loan from Manchester City. After two substitute appearances he started the games against Ipswich Town, Hull City and Chelsea before his ongoing absence began. Reportedly Everton's highest-paid player, he has not found form yet this campaign, yet to register a goal or an assist.
