David Moyes has explained why Jack Grealish missed Everton’s Premier League match at Burnley on Saturday.
Everton travelled to Turf Moor hoping to move closer to the European qualification spots and inflict further misery on relegation-threatened Burnley.
But the Toffees went into the busy festive period without two of their best players, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye at AFCON.
As a result, much of the attacking burden has fallen on the shoulders of Grealish who has looked revitalised since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City last summer.
But when the line-ups were announced, the attacking midfielder was not even on the bench, with Moyes making two changes from the team that lost 1-0 to Arsenal last week.
Grealish was replaced by Tyler Dibling, a rare start for the summer signing from Southampton, while Beto replaces Thierno Barry up front.
Explaining why the 30-year-old was absent, Moyes said ahead of kick-off: ‘He’s just got a bit of a virus and not been well over Christmas time, so he’s not available today.’
It remains to be seen whether Grealish will recover in time for Everton’s next clash, away to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, December 30.
The England international has recorded two goals and four assists in 16 appearances for Everton so far this season.
The Toffees have the option to make Grealish’s loan permanent next summer for £50million.
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