Moyes says Grealish still has route back at Everton

David Moyes said there is a way back for Jack Grealish at Everton but did not know when he would return after Everton's 1-0 Premier League win at St James' Park on Monday. Grealish missed both of Everton's victories over Newcastle in the past week following a disciplinary issue.

The 31-year-old Manchester City loanee had been omitted from Thursday's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory after what was thought to be an unauthorised absence from training, a decision made by the club. Everton said the midfielder was not involved on Monday because of a lack of fitness. Moyes gave limited information at full-time.

"He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back," he told BBC Sport. When asked whether it was indeed related to fitness, he added: "All I'm giving out is that he is unavailable at the moment." And when pressed over whether the disciplinary issue is over with, Moyes said: "No, I can't comment on that."

Grealish is trying to rebuild his career at Everton, having fallen out of favour at City despite costing the club £100m in 2021. He played a key role helping City win the 2022-23 Treble. Grealish will be out of contract at the end of the season.

He scored twice in 22 games for Everton last season during a loan spell which was cut short by injury. The midfielder returned to the club for a second loan spell this season but had only made six appearances before falling out of favour. Everton's 1-0 victory at St James' Park featured Thierno Barry's solitary goal.

Everton's next match is at home to Coventry on Friday (20:00 GMT) with Moyes unsure whether Grealish will be available. When asked if there was a way back for him at the club, Moyes said: "Of course there is."