Everton have been forced to exclude English winger JackGrealish from the League Cup match against Newcastle, following a disciplinary sanction that the club has not explained in detail. The measure was taken because the player had violated the team's “discipline code,” according to information released by the club. British media suggest that the cause may have been Grealish's absence from training, although Everton have not confirmed this hypothesis.
With the elimination of Newcastle, Everton have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the competition. The 3-1 victory was achieved thanks to goals from Garner in the 34th minute, from Hackney in the middle of the first half and from Dewsbury-Hall in the 69th minute, while Willock added a penultimate goal for the “magpies” in the 88th minute. The team, which reaches the quarterfinal stage without the English international, will face Fleetwood Town, the Fourth Division team that surprised by eliminating by Penalties against Arsenal in the round of 16.
Grealish, on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season, has appeared in five games for the “Toffees” since his arrival. His career at the club has not been easy: last season, when he was also on loan to Everton, he suffered an injury in January that required foot surgery and forced him to leave the season early. In addition, last Saturday he lost the game against Arsenal due to illness.
Everton, who have remained firm in their goal of advancing in the League Cup, will have to account for the absence of Grealish in the next matches. The elimination of Newcastle and the victory over Arsenal in the round of 16 have reinforced the team's confidence, although the absence of their English winger could affect the offensive dynamic in the quarterfinals. The club is now preparing for the next match against Fleetwood Town, where they will look to consolidate their position and continue their campaign in the competition.