Jack Grealish dropped by Everton for Carabao Cup tie after breaching club discipline

Jack Grealish will not feature for Everton in their Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Newcastle United after the club confirmed he is unavailable due to a breach of club discipline. The loanee reportedly missed a training session ahead of the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday night.

  • Match: Everton vs Newcastle United, Carabao Cup fourth round
  • Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium
  • Date: Thursday night
  • Key absence: Jack Grealish (breach of club discipline)
  • Also out: Jarrad Branthwaite (concussion protocols)
  • Coverage: Live on Sky Sports+

Injury and availability

Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, missed Saturday's defeat at Arsenal due to illness but had started Everton's previous three Premier League matches against Ipswich, Hull City and Chelsea. He was dropped by manager David Moyes for the cup tie after reportedly missing a training session.

Jarrad Branthwaite also remained unavailable for a second successive game as he continues to follow concussion protocols. The defender's absence further limits Moyes' options at the back.

What was said

"My understanding is the reason he's not involved, and the reason he has been disciplined, is because he failed to show for a training session in the build-up to tonight's cup tie."

— Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie

Downie's report clarifies that the disciplinary action stems from a specific incident: Grealish did not attend a scheduled training session before the Newcastle tie. Everton's official statement described the player as unavailable due to a breach of club discipline, without elaborating further.

The club's wording leaves the door open for Grealish to return once the matter is resolved, but his absence for a cup match is a significant call by Moyes, who had started the winger in three consecutive league games.

Why Moyes had to act on Grealish

David Moyes has built his managerial reputation on discipline and organisation, so leaving out a player of Jack Grealish's profile for a cup tie sends a clear message to the dressing room. The loanee had been finding rhythm with starts against Ipswich, Hull City and Chelsea, but missing a training session crosses a line the manager cannot ignore.

Without Grealish, Everton lose their most creative wide option for the visit of Newcastle. The 28-year-old's ability to carry the ball and draw fouls in advanced areas is difficult to replace, and Moyes may turn to a more conservative shape to compensate. The onus will fall on the remaining attackers to provide width and penetration.

Grealish's loan from Manchester City was designed to give him regular football, and this setback threatens that objective. How he responds in training over the coming days will determine whether he returns for Everton's next Premier League fixture. Moyes will expect a reaction, both in attitude and performance.

Talking points

  • Was Moyes right to publicly discipline Grealish by making him unavailable, or should the matter have been handled internally to protect the player?
  • Grealish had started three straight league games – does one missed training session justify dropping him for a cup tie?
  • Without Grealish, do Everton have enough creativity to break down Newcastle, or will Moyes set up defensively?
  • Does this incident damage Grealish's chances of earning a permanent move to Everton or returning to Manchester City's plans?

What happens next

Everton face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Thursday night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Moyes will name a side without Grealish and Branthwaite, and the result will show how well the squad copes without its loan star. Grealish's future involvement depends on his response in training once the disciplinary process concludes.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Jack Grealish not playing for Everton against Newcastle?

Everton confirmed Grealish is unavailable for the Carabao Cup tie due to a breach of club discipline after he reportedly missed a training session.

Is Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton against Newcastle?

No, Branthwaite remained unavailable for a second successive game as he continues to follow concussion protocols.

Where is Everton vs Newcastle being played?

The Carabao Cup fourth-round tie is at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports+.

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