Everton star Jack Grealish and David Moyes
Everton star Jack Grealish and David Moyes
The on-loan Manchester City winger was omitted from the side that beat Newcastle United 3-0 in the Carabao Cup last week.
Grealish was also left out as the Toffees beat the Mapgies again 1-0 at St James' Park in the Premier League on Monday.
Everton stated the 31-year-old was missing due to a breach of club discipline.
Manager David Moyes has been non-committal on when Grealish will return to the fold.
Sky Sports presenter Vinny O'Connor provided an update on what he expects before Moyes spoke to the media on Friday.
What got said about Jack Grealish's status for Everton clash vs Coventry?
Moyes has been pretty consistent with his messaging that Grealish will only return when he believes his fitness is at an acceptable level to perform.
With Everton operating with such a threadbare squad after a dismal transfer window, having Grealish available would be a boost.
But Grealish has not played now in almost a month, having missed the Arsenal clash through illness then sat out the Newcastle games.
Everton are back in top-flight action against Coventry at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday.
O'Connor said live on air that he does not expect Grealish to be part of the starting line-up, and would be surprised to see him make the squad.
The Sky Sports News reporter said: "I think the fact that David Moyes said after the league game against Newcastle, is a pointer to this situation being resovled in the not-so-distant future.
"The fact is, Jack Grealish hasn't played since the defeat to Chelsea at home, he missed the game with Arsenal through illness, he mssed the games against Newcastle through a combination of disciplinary process and also through fitness as well.
"We certainly don't expect him to be in the starting line-up or come back into the starting line-up, ultimately that would be unfair on someone like Tyrique George as well.
"And the fact someone like Grealsh hasn't played since the 17th October, Everton would want him pretty much as match sharp as possible when it comes to training as well.
"I think that probably signifies he won't be in the squad again. At the same time this is also a squad where it's well documented that it's short of numbers after the transfer window, so it would be beneficial to have jack Grealish back as soon as possible."
Everton need swift Jack Grealish resolution
In these sort of situations, you always have to back the manager's judgement.
And in fairness to Moyes, he has dealt with the situation in a swift and decisive manner.
Ultimately, it will be down to Moyes when Grealish returns to the fold, but the Toffees could certainly do with a swift resolution.
Numbers are light in the squad as it is, and you don't want one of your most creative outlets sat on the sidelines doing nothing.
That's not to say there should not be penance for unprofessional behaviour, but at what point does the punishment end?