David Moyes says he does not know whether Jack Grealish will be available for Everton's next fixture against Coventry City on Friday, after his side secured a second win over Newcastle United without the on-loan winger.
The Blues announced before their 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over the Magpies on Thursday that Grealish had been omitted for a club disciplinary matter. It is understood the Manchester City loanee had failed to attend a scheduled training session. Grealish also missed Monday night's 1-0 Premier League win at St James' Park, prompting questions about his status after the match.
Moyes on Grealish's availability
Speaking after the game, the Everton manager said: "He's just not available yet." When asked whether the 31-year-old would be back for Frank Lampard's newly promoted side, Moyes replied: "I don't know yet."
Pressed on whether there was a chance of Grealish being reintegrated on a longer-term basis, the 63-year-old added: "Of course there is, yes."
Branthwaite's return and injury concern
One player who did return for Everton was Jarrad Branthwaite, who had missed the previous two matches against Arsenal and Newcastle due to concussion protocol following a collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez that broke the Argentina international's jaw. However, the England international was replaced in the 82nd minute by Michael Keane.
Moyes said: "Jarrad went off, he was cramping in both legs. We don't think it's too serious but obviously he's been out for a couple of weeks. We're not nursing them back in and we'd have hoped he'd have got through, but he was struggling in the last 15 minutes."
First away league win of the season
Moyes felt Everton were well worth their first Premier League away victory of the season. He said: "We've actually done quite well in some of the games getting draws in some difficult games, but we've not picked up a victory. Last season we had a great run of results away from home. So, I was hoping to pick it up and tonight thankfully we did with a clean sheet and we got the goal that counted."
