Former Aston Villa star Jack Grealish ended his Everton exile on Thursday afternoon after playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Jack Grealish during an Everton game
Ex-Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has missed the last three games for Everton(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Aston Villa star Jack Grealish issued an apology to Everton after making his long-awaited return for the club.
The on-loan Manchester City man has missed the Toffees’ last three Premier League games after a disciplinary breach.
But he made his return on Thursday as Everton hosted Championship side Derby County at Hill Dickinson Stadium for a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Taking to social media after that game, Grealish wrote: "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."
Everton boss David Moyes explained why Grealish was absent earlier this month. He said: "He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back."
He added: "All I'm giving out is that he is unavailable at the moment."
Asked if there was a future for Grealish on Merseyside, Moyes replied: “Of course there is."
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish made his return for Everton against Derby County(Image: Getty Images)
Grealish, a product of the Villa academy, initially joined Everton on loan last season but saw his debut campaign ended prematurely through injury. He agreed to return to Merseyside in the summer and has made eight appearances in all competitions so far this season, but is yet to contribute to a goal.
Everton have enjoyed an impressive start to the season this term, with Moyes’ side sitting sixth, having lost just two of their opening ten games.
They are next in action on Monday 23 November as they travel to Brentford. Grealish looks set to be reunited with Villa over the coming weeks, with Unai Emery’s side scheduled to host the Toffees on December 2.
Grealish made 213 appearances for Villa, scoring 32 goals, before a big-money move to Manchester City. The 31-year-old’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire next summer.
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John Townley
John Townley