Jack Grealish apologises to Everton fans after Derby friendly return

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton supporters after returning to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County.

The Manchester City loanee played 90 minutes in Thursday’s 4-1 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It was his first appearance since 17 October, after a breach of club discipline.

His return gives David Moyes another option for Everton’s trip to Brentford after the international break, although a competitive recall has not been confirmed.

Jack Grealish’s message to Everton supporters

Grealish addressed his absence on Instagram after the friendly, saying he was pleased to be playing again after several days of training.

“I want to apologise to the fans n everyone at the club for not been able to help the team the last few weeks,” he wrote.

The 31-year-old added that he loved playing for Everton and could not wait to play in front of their supporters again. His comments were reported by the Irish Examiner.

Why has Grealish been missing?

Grealish was first left out of the side for the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle on 29 October. His absence has been reported as the result of a breach of club discipline, but Everton have not made the details public. Before the trip to Newcastle on 2 November, the club said only that he was “not match-fit”.

He then missed the 1-0 league win at St James’ Park and Everton’s 3-1 comeback win over Coventry.

Moyes has declined to discuss the circumstances. Asked before the Coventry match whether Grealish was available, he said: “No, Jack is not available.” He added: “I wouldn’t give you the plan but we will be working with Jack again soon.”

Thursday’s outing is a step towards a return to first-team contention. On its own, it does not confirm when Moyes will bring him back into the squad.

When could Jack Grealish play for Everton again?

Everton’s next competitive match is away to Brentford on Monday 23 November, with kick-off at 8pm. That is Grealish’s next chance to return, subject to selection.

He is in his second loan spell from Manchester City. He first joined Everton in 2025, scoring twice in 22 appearances before injury ended his season, and returned on transfer deadline day this summer.

For Moyes, the question is whether to bring him back into a side that won its last three games before the break. For Grealish, the next step is turning a full 90 minutes in a friendly into competitive minutes.

Read Moyes’ pre-Coventry press conference for the manager’s most recent comments on his absence.

Jack Grealish Everton FAQ

Why has Jack Grealish not played for Everton?
He has been absent since 17 October after a reported breach of club discipline. Everton have not given details.

Has Jack Grealish apologised?
Yes. He apologised to the fans and everyone at the club on Instagram after playing against Derby.

Did Grealish play against Derby?
Yes. He played 90 minutes in a 4-1 behind-closed-doors win at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday.

When is Everton’s next game?
Brentford away on Monday 23 November, kick-off 8pm.

Is Grealish on loan at Everton?
Yes. It is his second loan spell from Manchester City.