Grealish set to rejoin Everton training next week after three-game absence

Jack Grealish is set to rejoin Everton’s first-team training sessions next week and could be in contention for the club’s Premier League fixture at Brentford on Monday, November 23, following a three-game absence that has raised fresh questions about his future at the club.

The 31-year-old Manchester City loanee was dropped from David Moyes’ squad on October 29 after missing a training session at Finch Farm, Everton’s training ground. He subsequently sat out the Premier League clash against Newcastle and will again be unavailable when Everton host Coventry, with the club citing a lack of match fitness.

Moyes offered a measured response in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Coventry game. “I wouldn’t give you the plan but we will be working with Jack again soon,” the Everton manager said.

According to The Athletic, Grealish has already returned to Finch Farm and the plan is for him to reintegrate into full training during the international break, giving him a fortnight to build fitness before the Brentford trip.

Moyes has made clear he is willing to give Grealish another opportunity, having spoken publicly in September about the standards he expects from the 39-time England international. “He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do. But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model,” Moyes said at the time.

The Everton manager also pointed to the influence Grealish could have on younger wide players in the squad. “We’ve got Tyrique [George] and Tyler [Dibbling] and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them,” Moyes added. “I think both of them could learn an awful lot from Jack.”

Grealish joined Everton on loan for a second successive season on transfer deadline day. His contract at Manchester City expires next summer and he is not expected to be offered a new deal, making his performances between now and the end of the season significant for his longer-term career prospects.

Everton could move fifth in the Premier League table with a win over Coventry, who arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium having beaten Sunderland 3-1 in their most recent outing.