Jack Grealish was left out of Everton's squad for their Carabao Cup round-of-16 clash against Newcastle United following an internal disciplinary issue. The club confirmed that the decision was related to a breach of team rules but did not disclose the exact circumstances. Reports suggested that the winger had missed a training session without permission, although Everton have yet to publicly clarify the situation.

The absence came just days after Grealish missed Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat against Arsenal, with the club initially attributing his unavailability to illness. Manager David Moyes later confirmed that leaving the player out against Newcastle was a club decision that he fully supported. However, he avoided providing further details, leaving questions about the nature of the incident and its potential consequences.

Despite the disruption surrounding Grealish, Everton delivered an impressive performance against Newcastle, securing a 3-1 victory to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. They will now face Fleetwood Town, the fourth-tier side that produced a major upset by eliminating Premier League champions Arsenal in the previous round. Grealish's absence also gave other attacking players an opportunity to feature, with Tyler Dibling included in the starting lineup.

The 31-year-old winger has struggled to make a significant impact since returning to Everton on loan from Manchester City. He has yet to record a goal or assist in seven appearances this season, despite previously enjoying a productive spell on Merseyside. During his first loan campaign, Grealish contributed six assists and two goals in 20 matches before a serious foot injury ended his season in January. He remained close to the club during his rehabilitation and subsequently returned for another loan spell.

Grealish initially began the current campaign with Manchester City under Enzo Maresca, making substitute appearances in the Community Shield defeat against Arsenal and the Premier League victory over Bournemouth before completing his move back to Everton on September 1. Having previously cost City £100 million in 2021, his current situation represents a difficult period in his career. The latest disciplinary setback adds further uncertainty to his season, with his return to the Everton lineup now dependent on resolving the issue and regaining the club's confidence.