Jack Grealish has apologised to everyone connected to Everton Football Club after returning to action on Thursday afternoon. The on-loan Manchester City player missed his side's last four matches due to illness, a breach of club discipline and a lack of fitness.
Grealish returned to Finch Farm late last week to start a tailored training programme. He stepped up his return on Thursday afternoon by playing the full 90 minutes in the 4-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Derby County at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Apology issued on Instagram
Just hours after that game concluded, Grealish took to Instagram to issue an apology to everyone connected to the club for not being available for selection over the last couple of weeks. He wrote: "Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training! I want to apologise to the fans n everyone at the club for not been able to help the team the last few weeks."
"I love playing for this club and I can't and I can't wait to be playing back infront of you guys in an Everton shirt. See you all soon."
Disciplinary process and return timeline
Grealish first missed the defeat to Arsenal due to illness, and then ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Newcastle United, the club confirmed that the former Aston Villa man would not be available for selection due to a breach of club discipline. It is understood that Everton revealed the 31-year-old would miss the League Cup tie, which the Blues 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, have also taken place as part of the ongoing disciplinary process. Grealish then missed the 1-0 win over the Magpies in the Premier League due to a lack of fitness, but David Moyes made clear post-match that there was a way back for the 31-year-old.
When asked for an update on Grealish following his side's 3-1 victory over Coventry City on Friday night, Blues boss Moyes said: "There's no more detail at the moment." Ahead of the victory over the Sky Blues, Moyes reiterated that it was a 'club issue' and will continue to be that. "Jack's not avaiable," the Scot confirmed when asked about the winger's availability last Thursday. "I wouldn't give you the plan, but we will be working with Jack again soon."
Grealish could make his return to the Everton matchday squad when they take on Brentford in their next Premier League game on Monday, November 23.
