Moyes Says Grealish Can Still Return to Everton Squad
Jack Grealish has now missed three Everton games in a row, and David Moyes has said the door is not shut. Whether he is picked again is still undecided.
Moyes keeps the door open
Speaking after Everton's 1-0 win at Newcastle United on Monday night, Moyes said Grealish is not available at the moment. Pressed on whether the situation can be repaired, he replied: "Of course, yeah."
The next chance to see him in a squad is Friday night against Coventry City in the Premier League. Asked if Grealish could return for it, Moyes said he did not know yet.
Two reasons given within days
The club's explanation changed. On Thursday, Grealish was left out of the Carabao Cup win over Newcastle for a breach of club discipline. Moyes backed that as a club decision. Before that, he had missed the Arsenal game through illness.
For Monday's league game, Everton said the 31-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester City, was not match fit. He stayed on Merseyside instead of travelling to the North East. The Liverpool Echo understands that the club wanted to be open with supporters on Thursday about why he could not be picked.
A disciplinary process with Grealish is currently under way at Everton, and it involves talks with City. There is no indication yet that the loan will be cancelled.
Fans and a former team-mate
The Echo asked readers what should happen next. 28 percent wanted the loan cancelled. A permanent signing once he becomes a free agent this summer was backed by 38 percent and opposed by 34 percent.
Alan Hutton, who played alongside him at Aston Villa, spoke to OLBG. He said Moyes can bring out the best in Grealish, and that the quality is still there. In his view, the way back is to work hard and earn a place in the team again.
Our view
Everton gave two different explanations within days, one about discipline and one about fitness, so the Friday squad list will say more than any quote. Moyes calling the situation repairable sets a direction, but the disciplinary process and the talks with City are the parts that can still change it.
Source: Liverpool Echo