Jack Grealish was absent from Everton's squad for their Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle on Thursday night due to "a breach of club discipline," and manager David Moyes declined to elaborate on the situation following the 3-1 victory.
The 31-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester City, was also missing from the squad that lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Saturday because of illness. It is understood that the winger then missed a training session between the Premier League match and the cup tie.
Moyes stays silent on Grealish absence
Moyes offered no further explanation when asked about the decision after the match. "I'm not going to give any details and it's a club decision and I support the decision," he said. "I don't want to go into details."
When asked whether he felt let down by Grealish, who he has supported since the winger's arrival on loan last season, Moyes said: "It is something I don't want to speak too much about."
Pressed on whether Grealish would feature in Monday's league trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle, Moyes replied: "I wouldn't give any team news away."
Everton cruise into next round
Goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry put Everton comfortably into the next round of the cup, with Dan Burn scoring a late consolation for Newcastle.
Moyes's comments on the performance appeared to reference the Grealish situation. "The one thing about Everton is that they have got real good values, all the players stand behind it and accept the values, on the pitch and off the pitch," he said. "I think the players did a good job tonight, it is a small squad but we are doing our best to keep challenging."
Grealish, who is in the final year of his £300,000-a-week City contract, is in his second successive loan spell with Everton. He has made eight appearances in all competitions this season without registering a goal or an assist. Last season he contributed two goals and six assists in 22 games for the Toffees.
Moyes outlines expectations for Grealish
Moyes recently set out his expectations for the winger. "I think Jack knows what I expect now," he said. "We had lots of conversations last year. He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do.
"But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model. We've got Tyrique and Tyler and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them. I think both of them could learn an awful lot from Jack and I want him to become that senior citizen amongst them, somebody who teaches them.
"I think we've got a mature Jack Grealish now as well in terms of understanding the game and what is required, being a team player – not that he is an individual but he plays with an individual style."
