Moyes says Grealish has Everton future but gives no return date

David Moyes says Jack Grealish still has a route back into Everton’s team, although the manager has not set a date for the midfielder’s return. Speaking after Monday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Newcastle, Moyes confirmed that Grealish could have a future at the club, BBC Sport reported, while declining to clarify his current absence.

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Grealish, 31, missed both of Everton’s victories over Newcastle in the past week following a disciplinary issue. The club made the decision to leave him out of Thursday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win, and he was again absent for the league meeting at St James’ Park. Thierno Barry scored the only goal as Everton completed their second victory over the same opponents.

Everton attributed the latest omission to a lack of fitness, according to the BBC report. Moyes did not expand on that explanation when questioned after the match. He said Grealish was unavailable and that a decision about his return would be made with the club. Asked specifically whether fitness was the reason, he repeated that the player was unavailable rather than providing further detail.

The manager also declined to say whether the disciplinary matter had been concluded. That leaves the timing and circumstances of Grealish’s return unresolved, despite Moyes’ assurance that there is a way back. Everton next host Coventry on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT, but Moyes could not confirm whether the midfielder would be available for that fixture.

Grealish is on his second loan spell at Everton from Manchester City. He scored twice in 22 appearances for Everton last season before injury brought that spell to an early end. Having returned this season, he had made six appearances before his latest absence. BBC Sport reported that his contract with City expires at the end of the season.

City signed Grealish for £100m in 2021, and he played an important role in their 2022-23 Treble before subsequently falling out of favour. His Everton move offered an opportunity to rebuild his career. For now, Moyes has kept the possibility of a return open without committing to a selection date or confirming that the disciplinary issue is over.