Jack Grealish has been ruled out of Everton’s fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor after falling ill with a virus over the festive period, amid reports he recently treated his friends to an expensive party.
Manager David Moyes confirmed the on-loan Manchester City winger would not be available for the Toffees’ final match of 2025.
“He’s just got a bit of a virus and not been well over Christmas time, so he’s not available today,” Moyes said via the club’s website.
The England international’s absence comes amid a report in The Sun that he hosted friends at a lavish £20,000 Christmas celebration which concluded at a nightclub at 4am.
According to the report, Grealish and his group consumed shots priced at £14 each while women danced atop tables and sofas at the venue.
Earlier in the evening, the footballer and his companions had reportedly provided complimentary drinks to fellow guests at an upmarket restaurant.
One source quoted by the publication characterised the pre-Christmas gathering as “a seasonal tear-up like no other”.
Jack Grealish pictured playing for Everton in their Premier League clash with Arsenal last week
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The festivities reportedly saw the England star treating his friends to an extravagant night out during the holiday period.
However, the celebration took place following Everton’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal the previous weekend, occurring well in advance of today’s encounter with Burnley.
The timing of the reported party is notable, as it unfolded after the defeat at on Merseyside last week rather than in the immediate build-up to the Burnley fixture.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Grealish had featured in that Arsenal match despite carrying a minor knock sustained during the 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the preceding game.
Tyler Dibling has been given a rare starting opportunity for the Toffees in Grealish’s absence, having joined the club from Southampton during the summer transfer window.
Everton’s attacking resources are significantly stretched for the Turf Moor encounter, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sidelined by a hamstring problem and Iliman Ndiaye away on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The absence of Grealish represents a considerable setback for Moyes, given the 29-year-old’s productive campaign on Merseyside.
The winger has contributed two goals and four assists across 18 outings since arriving on loan from Manchester City, establishing himself as an important creative outlet for the Blues.
Jack Grealish has enjoyed a positive start to his Everton career | PA
His unavailability leaves the Everton boss with limited options in forward areas as his side look to end the calendar year on a positive note.
The Toffees have won seven of their opening 17 league matches this season.
Moyes, when asked how his side will cope with so many out missing, said beforehand: “You just go about it the way we’ve done at this time of the year over many years I’ve been in the job.
“It’s always been the case – we’ve always had busy Christmas and new year periods. It’s what we do in this country, isn’t it? We have to find ways of managing it.”
