JACK FEELING BLUE? Grealish's Everton future uncertain as disciplinary issue casts shadow over positive impact and dream return

"I will be going to sleep tonight with a smile on my face, ready for training tomorrow."

Jack Grealish's return to Everton on transfer deadline day was widely viewed as a win-win, a feel-good story everyone could get behind. Grealish had signed on loan for the Toffees once more, getting the chance to play for a club where he'd rediscovered his love for the game and made genuine connections.

But just 58 days later and that feeling has been diminished, apparently because Grealish was no longer ready for training.

The on-loan Manchester City star was dropped from the squad to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night for "a breach of club discipline". The vague nature of that statement didn't help matters. It is understood that Grealish didn't show up for a training session in between the 2-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday and cup game against Newcastle five days later.

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

David Moyes opted not to explain further, refusing to be drawn on questions about Grealish's absence after the game. “It is something I don’t want to speak too much about," he said.

But his subsequent words on his team's 3-1 win hinted at the Everton boss' true feelings: “The one thing about Everton is that they have got real good values, all the players stand behind it and accept the values, on the pitch and off the pitch."

It is unclear whether Grealish will be back in the fold for Monday's trip to St James' Park to play Newcastle once more, with Moyes saying he "wouldn't give any team news away" when asked. But his cagey responses have cast doubt on his future on Merseyside.

The incident - whatever its true nature - comes at a bad time for Grealish. He has entered the final year of his £300,000-a-week contract with City and is therefore playing for his future.

His encouraging start at Everton last season was cruelly ended by a foot injury in January and his return in September came with a hint of unfinished business. Grealish contributed two goals and six assists in 20 appearances in the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, showing flashes of his exhilarating best from the days of Aston Villa and City.

"It feels so good. I'm so happy," he said after signing once more. "I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That's what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me."

His obvious connection and gratitude for Moyes' support is what makes the disciplinary issue so surprising. Speaking earlier this season, Moyes explained that he wanted "mature" Grealish to be "a senior professional and a role model" to young wingers Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling, as well as star performer.

Grealish has quickly become a certified favourite among Everton fans - and not just for his performances. The 31-year-old has completely thrown himself into life as an Evertonian off the pitch, regularly getting involved in community projects.

His generosity was shown just days before he was dropped, with a £10,000 donation made to Everton fan Leon Skapars, who is battling an aggressive form of kidney cancer.

“When I realised it was Jack Grealish who had donated, I burst into tears. I was completely overwhelmed," Leon's wife Crystal told The Guide Liverpool. “To think that Jack has taken the time to support Leon and our family is just incredible. We’re so grateful to him."

Despite suffering a season-ending injury in January, Grealish opted to stay with the club for his rehabilitation. After returning to parent club City, he followed all of Everton's pre-season matches and made clear his absolute delight at re-joining them in September.

It seems clear that Grealish would love to sign permanently for Everton as a free agent when his lucrative City contract expires. It remains to be seen whether his recent indiscretion prevents that dream from becoming a reality.