Jack Grealish poised for first Everton start after sealing loan return
Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed that Jack Grealish is in line to start in Saturday’s fixture against Tottenham.
The England winger has returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan for a second campaign, and delivered an impressive performance from the bench against Manchester United last weekend.
“I think Jack is ready to play,” Moyes told a press conference. “He’s probably a boy who needs a football more than he needs the training sometimes.
“Game time helps Jack. But that’s still him building up to get to his best. He’s had a good week’s training and beginning to look ready to start.”
Grealish quickly became a popular figure among Toffees supporters before a foot injury in January prematurely ended his initial loan spell.
When asked about expectations for the 31-year-old’s return, Moyes said: “Incredibly exciting if he gives us what he gave us at the start of last season. If we get that level from him then we’ll be thrilled.”
Meanwhile, fellow summer arrival Christian Norgaard remains out with an injury and is not expected back until after the upcoming international break.
“I don’t think we expected it to be as long as this,” Moyes stated. “He’s hugely important for us, someone who we’re looking forward to gaining his experience, his nous and getting to know him, and at the moment we’ve not had him on the grass, so that’s been the disappointing thing.”
Everton are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season after following up a win over Crystal Palace with draws against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
Next up is a trip to Spurs, who are still looking for their first win of the season. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have not scored a goal yet this season, but did collect their first point following a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend after previous defeats by Brentford and Newcastle.
Spurs have also been boosted by the news that Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract with the club. The Swedish midfielder was linked with a move away over the summer, but has now ended speculation over his immediate future.
