Jack Grealish could rejoin Everton's matchday squad for the Premier League fixture against Brentford after the international break. The winger has missed the club's last four matches because of illness, a breach of club discipline and a lack of fitness.
The ECHO understands that the on-loan Manchester City player has returned to Everton's Finch Farm training complex and is currently following a tailored programme. That programme will not consist solely of personal training, and he is expected to rejoin his team-mates for first-team sessions next week.
Two weeks to build fitness
The Brentford game is scheduled for Monday, November 23, giving the England international around two weeks to work on his fitness. Everton beat Coventry City 3-1 on Friday night, and Toffees boss David Moyes was asked for an update on Grealish afterwards.
"There's no more detail at the moment," Moyes said. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he reiterated that the situation is a 'club issue' and will continue to be treated as one.
Moyes: 'We will be working with Jack again soon'
"Jack's not available," Moyes confirmed when asked about the winger. "I wouldn't give you the plan, but we will be working with Jack again soon." Asked whether Grealish was currently at the club, Moyes added: "I would rather not answer your question. Right from the start hopefully you picked up on my words. I said it was a 'club issue' and it continues to be that."
The ECHO also understands that Everton revealed the 31-year-old would miss the Carabao Cup tie with Newcastle United, which the Toffees won 3-1, because they wanted to be open and honest with supporters. Talks with City, with whom Grealish is in the last year of his contract, are also part of the ongoing disciplinary process.
Future at the club
After Monday's 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle at St James' Park, Moyes made clear that Grealish still has a future with the club. "He is not available at the moment," the Scot said. When pressed on whether the situation is repairable, Moyes replied: "Of course, yeah."
