Grealish apologises for absence after breach of discipline

Grealish apologised after missing three Everton games for breaching club discipline; he returned in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County.

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton fans and the club after missing three matches due to a disciplinary breach. The on-loan Manchester City midfielder sat out Premier League and Carabao Cup games against Newcastle United, as well as Everton's win over Coventry before the international break.

Grealish returned to action on Thursday in a behind-closed-doors friendly victory against Championship side Derby County. The 31-year-old posted an apology on Instagram, saying: "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."

Grealish is on his second loan spell at Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City, where he cost £100m in 2021. He had made only six appearances this season before the disciplinary issue.