Moyes says Grealish can still have Everton future despite absence
David Moyes says Jack Grealish can still have a future at Everton but will not say when the loanee, absent for two wins, will be available again.
Everton manager David Moyes has said there is a route back for Jack Grealish at the club, but he could not say when the on-loan midfielder might return to the team. Grealish, 31, was missing for both of Everton's victories over Newcastle in the past week.
The Manchester City loanee was omitted from Thursday's 3-1 Carabao Cup win by a club decision, after what was understood to be an unauthorised absence from training. He was then absent again on Monday for the Premier League meeting at St James' Park, which Everton won 1-0 through Thierno Barry's goal.
Everton described the second absence as a lack of fitness, but Moyes was guarded when asked at full-time. He said Grealish was unavailable and that a decision would be made with the club when his availability returns. He declined to confirm whether the matter was fitness-related or whether the disciplinary issue was resolved.
Asked directly whether there was a way back for Grealish at Everton, Moyes replied that there was. Everton's next fixture is at home to Coventry on Friday, and Moyes was unsure whether the midfielder would be available for it. Supporters have followed the situation closely, but the club has given no further explanation beyond Moyes's comments.
Grealish is trying to rebuild his career at Everton after falling out of favour at City, who signed him for £100m in 2021. He played a key role in City's 2022-23 Treble triumph and is out of contract at the end of the season. He scored twice in 22 games during a first Everton loan spell cut short by injury, and returned for a second loan this season, making six appearances before dropping out of favour.
