Everton beat Newcastle United in their Carabao Cup fourth round clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday evening. Jack Grealish played no part after being axed from the squad ahead of the game.
The Toffees went into the match without a win in their last three Premier League games. David Moyes fielded a strong starting XI for the game against Newcastle as they look to end their 31-year major trophy drought.
Everton went into the half-time break with a two-goal lead thanks to goals from James Garner and Hayden Hackney. Thierno Barry increased the home side's advantage in the 69th minute.
Dan Burn pulled a goal back for the visitors with two minutes remaining, but it proved to be only a consolation goal as the home side ran out 3-1 winners.
Why Jack Grealish Was Axed From Everton's Squad
Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
One-and-a-half hours before the match was due to kick off, Everton took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that Grealish was 'unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline.'
More details have now emerged regarding Grealish's breach of club discipline. The 31-year-old, who re-joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City this summer, reported sick ahead of last weekend's match against Arsenal, which Everton lost 2-0.
It was hoped that he would be well enough to face Newcastle this week. According to the Telegraph, it was expected that all players would report for training at Finch Farm, the club’s base in Halewood, on Monday.
However, Grealish failed to turn up, which is reported to have left David Moyes and club officials 'incandescent'. Moyes is said to have been 'incensed' and Angus Kinnear, the chief executive, made the choice to omit him from the squad against Newcastle. Grealish was not in attendance for the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and will now be fined for his actions.
The Daily Mail has added that it was not the first time that Grealish had failed to report for training, with Everton sources telling the publication that there had been similar causes for concern last season.
Key Events Timeline
September 2026 — Grealish rejoined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
October 2026 — Grealish reported sick and missed Everton's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
October 2026 — Grealish skipped training at Finch Farm, leaving Moyes and officials incandescent.
October 2026 — Everton declared him unavailable for Newcastle over a breach of club discipline.
Moyes was asked about Grealish's absence after the victory against Newcastle. He said:
"It's something I don't really want to speak too much about. It's a club decision, so I support the decision. The club are the people you should go to if you're looking for more information."
Moyes added that he would 'never give any team news away' when asked whether Grealish would feature against Newcastle in their Premier League clash at St James' Park this weekend.
Type a player name in the box below to reveal each answer
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
Moyes praised his side for not being phased by Grealish's absence. He said: "The one thing about Everton and what they've got is they've got really good values behind it.
"All the players stand up to the values, accept the values Everton put out there, what we want from them on the pitch and off the pitch, and from that point of view, the players done a brilliant job tonight."
Everton have been drawn to face League Two outfit Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium in the fifth round of the Carabao Cup. The Cod Army shocked Arsenal in the fourth round, defeating the reigning Premier League champions in a penalty shootout.
Grealish, who is one of the highest-paid English footballers in the world right now, has played five times for Everton so far this season. He also spent the 2025/26 campaign at the Merseyside club, scoring twice and recording six assists in 23 matches.