Chelsea's Josh Acheampong, left, and Everton's Jack Grealish battle for...

Chelsea's Josh Acheampong, left, and Everton's Jack Grealish battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Chelsea in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Credit: AP/Mike Egerton

LIVERPOOL, England — On-loan Everton winger Jack Grealish has apologized for being unavailable to play for the team because he breached the club's disciplinary rules.

Grealish, who is on a second loan spell from Manchester City, has missed the last four matches for Everton's senior team, with his most recent appearance coming on Oct. 17.

He made his comeback in a behind-closed-doors match with Derby on Thursday, after which he sent a post on Instagram addressing his recent absence.

“Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training,” Grealish wrote. “I want to apologize 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. See you all soon.”

Everton manager David Moyes has been reluctant to discuss any finer details about Grealish's conduct, with the club only saying the 31-year-old winger was “not match-fit” ahead of a trip to Newcastle on Nov. 2.

Grealish, one of the most talked-about players in English soccer, was once the most expensive player in the British game after joining City from Aston Villa for 100 million pounds ($139 million) in 2021.

He helped City win the Premier League-FA Cup-Champions League treble in 2023, but has been out of favor over the last two years.

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