Jack Grealish Dropped From Everton Squad for League Cup Tie Over Discipline Breach

UPDATE - follow-up to Everton v Newcastle: Carabao Cup fourth round – live: Jack Grealish has been dropped from Everton's matchday squad for their League Cup last-16 tie against Newcastle United due to a breach of club discipline, reported as an unauthorised absence from training.

Lineup Changes

Everton made two changes following their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, bringing in Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling for Brennan Johnson and Harrison Armstrong. Jarrad Branthwaite also missed out due to concussion protocols. Newcastle United made one change after their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, with Jacob Ramsey replacing Joelinton in the starting lineup.

Match Rules and Quarter-Finals

There is no VAR in use for the fixture. If the score remains level after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the match skips extra time and moves straight to a penalty shootout. The winner of the tie will travel to face Fleetwood Town in the quarter-finals during the week starting 14 December 2026.

Context

Domestic cup competitions in English football often feature matches where ties go straight to penalties without extra time to manage player fatigue. Everton are seeking their first major trophy since 1995, while Newcastle United won the League Cup in 2025.