David Moyes Backs Everton’s Decision to Drop Jack Grealish Over Discipline

Everton Drops Jack Grealish for Carabao Cup Clash Following Disciplinary Breach

Everton dropped Jack Grealish from their Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Newcastle United due to a breach of club discipline, Sky Sports reported. The 31-year-old winger missed a training session without permission in the build-up to the fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie. Manager David Moyes backed the decision made by the club and chief executive Angus Kinnear, though he declined to offer specific details about the incident during his post-match press conference.

Manager David Moyes Backs Club Decision After Cup Victory

Despite the high-profile absence, Everton advanced to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle, courtesy of goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney, and Thierno Barry, alongside a late consolation from Dan Burn. Asked about Grealish after the match, Moyes told reporters that it was a club decision which he fully supported. The Everton boss praised his squad for maintaining focus and upholding team values despite the sudden disruption in the squad.

Recent Timeline and Manchester City Loan Context

The disciplinary action comes amid an uncertain period for the England international, who is currently on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Grealish is in the final year of a reported £300,000-a-week contract with City, where he fell out of favor under former manager Pep Guardiola. Prior to missing Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal due to illness and subsequently skipping Monday’s training session without permission, Grealish had started in four successive games for Moyes’s side.

Upcoming Premier League Fixture at St James’ Park

Everton travel to Fleetwood Town for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December, but attention quickly turns back to domestic league action. When questioned by Sky Sports regarding whether Grealish would return to contention for Monday’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle at St James’ Park, Moyes declined to reveal any team news. Grealish has returned to training at Finch Farm but is expected to face a club fine for his unauthorized absence earlier in the week as Everton manage a thin squad following a quiet summer transfer window.