Grealish dropped by Everton for Newcastle cup tie after missing training session

Jack Grealish has been dropped from Everton’s squad for their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium after the club deemed his absence from a training session a breach of discipline.

Manager David Moyes confirmed the England international would play no part in Thursday’s game, opting instead to name two goalkeepers among his substitutes rather than include Grealish. The 29-year-old had not been authorised to miss the session and Everton moved swiftly to impose a public punishment.

The timing is particularly frustrating for Grealish, who had been expected to return to contention after sitting out Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Arsenal through illness. He had started Everton’s previous three league matches — against Ipswich, Hull and Chelsea — since rejoining the club on loan from Manchester City on transfer deadline day. He has made six appearances in total this season without scoring.

This is Grealish’s second loan spell at Everton and comes in what is the final year of his contract at Manchester City, adding further scrutiny to his situation. The disciplinary incident does little to help his case at either club.

Everton’s incentive to progress remains significant. A win over Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle would secure a place in the quarter-finals, where League Two Fleetwood Town await following their remarkable victory over Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday night.