Everton star Jack Grealish and David Moyes
Everton star Jack Grealish and David Moyes
After breaching club rules with an unauthorised absence from training, David Moyes kept the England international out of the squad for the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees face the Magpies again at St James' Park on 2 November, this time in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old winger will be reinstated to the team.
Moyes got the job done in the Carabao Cup without Grealish and it wouldn't be surprising to see him stick with a similar starting lineup for the league game against Newcastle.
The Manchester City loanee can undoubtedly be a game-changer for the Blues, but he's a somewhat controversial figure at the club right now.
Given the Merseyside outfit's summer transfer strategy, the English forward's time in L3 could be coming to an end soon.
Will Jack Grealish return to Everton squad vs Newcastle United?
Grealish has held talks with Everton's hierarchy after facing punishment for missing training.
What remains unclear ahead of kick-off at St James' Park at 8pm local time is whether the England international is ready to return to Moyes' plans.
The Friedkin Group have been criticised for their reluctance to spend in transfer windows since taking over, but under the American ownership, there has been a focus on recruiting younger talent.
With experienced players like Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Beto, Iliman Ndiaye and Beto leaving, the more youthful players have been given a chance to step up.
Tyrique George was signed permanently from Chelsea after a decent loan spell last season and brings energy and a willingness to take on defenders whenever he plays.
Merlin Rohl is also finally finding his feet at the Toffees, playing right-back or on the right-wing this season.
Tyler Dibling is another prospect with bags of potential who is finally getting consistent opportunities under Moyes.
Hayden Hackney's arrival has also bolstered the Merseyside outfit's engine room with young blood and the squad revolution has been clear in L3.
What Jack Grealish controversy means for Hill Dickinson Stadium future
Everton wouldn't want to send Grealish back to Man City, given the already depleted squad at Moyes' disposal.
The England international will likely still have a role to play at the Toffees this season, but only time will tell whether he can fully regain the Scottish manager's trust.
Having beaten Newcastle with a relatively young starting lineup, it would make sense for Moyes to stick with it.
Even if Grealish is back, it wouldn't be surprising to see him stay on the bench after what must surely have been a mentally exhausting few days under mounting media pressure.