Grealish apologises to Everton after disciplinary absence

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton supporters for missing several matches after a disciplinary issue, saying he is eager to return to action in an Everton shirt.

The on-loan Manchester City midfielder missed three games, including Everton’s Premier League and Carabao Cup matches against Newcastle United and a league win over Coventry. He returned on Thursday, playing in a behind-closed-doors victory against Derby County.

“Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a good few days training,” Grealish wrote in an Instagram story. “I want to apologise to the fans and everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks.”

He added that he loved playing for Everton and “can’t wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt”.

Manager David Moyes had said before the Coventry match that the club needed to “wait and see how things go” over the issue. Grealish, 31, is on his second loan spell at Everton. He scored twice in 22 appearances last season, which was cut short by injury, and had played six times this season before his recent absence.