Grealish broke his silence after turning out in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday, 12 November. It was his first appearance in an Everton shirt since 17 October, when he featured against Chelsea.

He wrote on Instagram:

“Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training. I want to apologise to the fans and everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks. I love playing for this club and can’t wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt. See you all soon.”

From “not match-fit” to a disciplinary breach

Everton initially described Grealish as “not match-fit” ahead of the Premier League trip to Newcastle United on 2 November, according to the Associated Press. That line held as he was left out of three further matchday squads, taking the tally of fixtures missed to four.

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The absence was later framed in stronger terms by the club, which referred to a breach of its disciplinary rules. beIN Sports reported that the 31-year-old England international had missed a training session without permission, with wider reports of “alleged nights out” that Everton has not publicly confirmed as part of the case.

Moyes has declined to spell out specifics, preferring to keep the matter inside the dressing room. Thursday’s run-out against Championship side Derby County, staged behind closed doors at Hill Dickinson Stadium, followed several days of training sessions attended by Grealish.

A second loan season from Manchester City

Grealish joined Everton on loan from Manchester City in August 2025 after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. The move was extended for a second campaign in September 2026.

The winger had been a regular starter under Moyes before the October break with the squad. Everton sit seventh in the Premier League after the manager’s 592nd match in charge against Coventry City this month, a figure that drew him level with club great Harry Catterick.

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