Jack Grealish missed Everton's 1-0 Premier League win away at Newcastle United on Monday night after being left behind on Merseyside to work on his fitness.
The 31-year-old Manchester City loanee did not travel with the Toffees on Sunday after it was decided he was still not ready to play, despite having returned to training. Everton went on to win in the North East without him.
Grealish's absence followed a breach of club discipline last week after a night out. The winger failed to show for Everton's training session last Monday, and it is understood club staff struggled to make contact with him.
As a result, Grealish was dropped from manager David Moyes's squad for Thursday's home tie against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, English football's knockout League Cup competition. Everton won that match 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.
David Moyes on Jack Grealish discipline and squad values
Speaking after Monday night's 1-0 league victory, Moyes confirmed that the winger remained short of match readiness. "He's just not available yet," the Scottish manager said. Asked if the situation was repairable, Moyes paused and added: "Of course it is."
According to Daily Mail Sport, Grealish is currently building his fitness after being left out of the squad against the Magpies last week. Following Thursday's cup victory, Moyes made clear that he backed the disciplinary action taken by the club.
"You probably know I'm not going to give any details, it is a club decision and I support that decision. It is something I don't want to speak too much about," Moyes said on Thursday.
"The one thing about Everton is that we have got really good values behind it. All the players stand up to the values and accept the values, on the pitch and off the pitch. From that point of view, I think the players did a brilliant job."
Moyes, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, added that his team could not accept any excuses.
"It's a small squad we have got, we are limited in some areas but we are doing our best to keep challenging. You can see what it meant to the supporters, this is a big moment for them, the players need to keep at it and we are not accepting any excuses. There's a humility about us tonight."
Jack Grealish Everton loan spell and Coventry fixture
Grealish rejoined Everton in the summer for a second season-long loan spell from parent club Manchester City, who originally signed the former Aston Villa winger in 2021. However, it is thought Moyes had reservations about re-signing him this summer after similar issues during last season's spell.
He has made seven appearances for the Toffees since returning in the summer and had started four consecutive matches before missing Everton's 2-0 defeat by Arsenal on October 24 through illness.
Grealish will now be given this week to build fitness ahead of Friday's visit of Coventry, although Moyes said he was not sure if the player would be available for that match.
