Jack Grealish apologises to Everton after returning to action

Jack Grealish apologised to Everton fans and staff for being unable to help the team in recent weeks after returning to action on Thursday. The Manchester City loanee had missed Everton’s last four matches for reasons including illness, a disciplinary breach and a lack of fitness.

Grealish returned to training at Finch Farm as part of an individual training programme, then played the full match in Everton’s 4-1 win over Derby County in a behind-closed-doors fixture. He posted his apology on Instagram, expressing his happiness at being back playing and his desire to wear the Everton shirt in front of the club’s fans again.

Grealish missed the match against Arsenal through illness, then was left out of the League Cup match against Newcastle because of a disciplinary breach, the club announced. He also missed Everton’s league win over Newcastle due to a lack of fitness, while manager David Moyes said the player would work with the club again, describing the matter as an internal club issue.

The report said talks had been held with Manchester City, with whom Grealish is in the final year of his contract, as part of the process for dealing with the disciplinary matter. The player could return to Everton’s squad for their next league match against Brentford, but his involvement has not been confirmed.