Everton manager David Moyes has affirmed that Jack Grealish still has a pathway back into the first team, though he remains uncertain when the midfielder will make his return. The 31-year-old Manchester City loanee missed both of the Toffees' recent victories against Newcastle United over the past week following a disciplinary matter.
The former England international was initially left out of Thursday's 3-1 Carabao Cup win after an internal club decision linked to a suspected unauthorised absence from training. Grealish was subsequently missing again on Monday as Everton secured a 1-0 Premier League win at St James' Park, courtesy of Thierno Barry's solitary goal against a Newcastle side that saw Ramsey sent off late on. While the club claimed a lack of fitness explained his league omission, Moyes remained guarded at full-time, explaining to BBC Sport: "He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back." When questioned if the disciplinary matter was resolved, the manager replied: "No, I can't comment on that."
Grealish is currently aiming to rebuild his playing career on Merseyside having slipped down the pecking order at City, who originally signed him for £100m in 2021. The midfielder played an integral part in Manchester City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, but his contract is due to expire at the conclusion of the current season. During his initial loan stint at Everton last year, he netted two goals across 22 outings before an injury prematurely ended his season, and he has made only six appearances in his second loan spell before falling out of favour.
Monday's victory moved Everton up to seventh in the table, with their upcoming fixture scheduled at home against Coventry on Friday (20:00 GMT). Although Moyes is not sure whether Grealish will be available in time for that encounter, he was decisive when asked if the attacker can salvage his place at the club, responding: "Of course there is."