Overview
- Grealish played the full 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors 4-1 win over Derby on Thursday and posted an Instagram apology to Everton fans and the club.
- He missed four senior matches after an unexplained training absence that the club described as a breach of discipline and later said left him not match fit.
- Everton brought Grealish back into Finch Farm on a tailored fitness programme and gave him controlled minutes in the friendly as part of a phased return to first-team training.
- Talks involving Manchester City have formed part of Everton’s internal disciplinary process and his loan is complicated by the fact he enters the final year of his City contract next summer.
- Everton won three of four matches during his absence and young players such as Tyrique George have strengthened selection options, meaning Grealish must earn competitive minutes rather than expect an immediate start.