Jack Grealish dropped by Everton after training absence
Jack Grealish
David MoyesEverton have dropped Jack Grealish from their squad to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round following a breach of club discipline.
The on-loan Manchester City winger was left out of the 20-man selection for Thursday night’s tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium after failing to report for training.
Grealish had previously missed Everton’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal on Saturday through illness. However, his absence from training ahead of the cup clash prompted manager David Moyes to take disciplinary action.
The club confirmed the decision prior to kick-off, releasing a brief update on social media regarding squad availability.
Addressing team news before the match, Everton confirmed:
“Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined for a second successive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of Club discipline.”
Disciplined after missing session
Reports indicate that Grealish suffered an unauthorised absence from training after recovering from his bout of illness.
The 31-year-old winger, who signed on loan from Manchester City on 1 September for a second successive spell, has struggled to make a decisive statistical impact so far this season.
Across seven appearances in all competitions, the Β£100 million signing is yet to register a goal or an assist for the Toffees.
He had started three consecutive Premier League fixtures prior to missing the trip to the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
In his absence, Moyes selected 20-year-olds Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George to occupy the wide positions against Newcastle.
Moyes demanded leadership from winger
The disciplinary sanction comes shortly after Moyes publicly outlined his high expectations for the England international.
Speaking recently about Grealish’s role within the squad, Moyes said:
“I think Jack knows what I expect now. We had lots of conversations last year. He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do.”
The Everton manager also emphasised that he wanted the experienced attacker to set an example for younger wide players like Dibling and George.
Discussing Grealish’s responsibilities, Moyes added:
“But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model. Weβve got Tyrique and Tyler and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them.”
A high-stakes night at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Last season, Grealish registered two goals and six assists in 20 matches before a foot injury in January prematurely ended his campaign.
The current tie carries huge significance for Everton, with a quarter-final place against League Two outfit Fleetwood Town awaiting the winner.
Fleetwood produced a remarkable fourth-round shock by eliminating Premier League champions Arsenal to reach the last eight.
Everton, who have never won the Carabao Cup in their history, know victory against Matthias Jaissle’s side would offer a clear pathway deep into the competition.
