Everton manager David Moyes has refused to explain why Jack Grealish was left out of a second matchday squad in a week, saying only that the midfielder is currently unavailable.
Grealish, who is on loan from Manchester City, was a notable absentee on Monday night as Everton secured a win over Newcastle. He had also been omitted from the team that won in the Carabao Cup last week due to what the club described as a breach of club discipline.
Moyes remains tight-lipped
Moyes made clear at the time that he supported the decision to leave out the 31-year-old, and being left out again on Monday underlines how out of favour Grealish is, even though the club have put the absence down to a lack of fitness.
Speaking to the BBC, Moyes said: "He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back."
Pressed on whether the issue was related to fitness, he replied: "All I'm giving out is that he is unavailable at the moment." When quizzed on any disciplinary issue, he added: "I can't comment on that."
Career at a crossroads
Grealish remains the first British £100 million player following his move to City from Aston Villa in 2021, but his career at the Etihad never lived up to that price tag. He enjoyed his best season when Pep Guardiola's side won the treble in 2023, but gradually saw his involvement decrease after that. His City contract expires in the summer.
Last term at Everton he scored twice in 22 games during a loan spell that was cut short by injury. His performances warranted a return, but the playmaker has made only six appearances before falling out of favour.
Everton's next match is at home to Coventry on Friday night, with Moyes non-committal on whether Grealish will be available for that encounter, although he maintained there was a route back into the first team.
