David Moyes says Jack Grealish is ready to play against Tottenham, with the winger beginning to look ready to start after a good week’s training. The move matters for Everton because Grealish has only one Premier League appearance this season and 24 minutes in total, which is no real runway for a player Moyes wants deciding games rather than just getting through sessions.
Moyes wants game time to do the work
Grealish came off the bench in the 65th minute against Manchester United, and Everton still managed to score in the 83rd and 96th minutes. That was the kind of late lift Moyes wants from him again, only this time from the start if possible. Grealish returned to Everton for a second successive loan spell, and Moyes made clear he wants his match sharpness to do the talking.
"I think Jack is ready to play. I think he is a boy who needs a football more than training," Moyes said. Speaking to teamtalk.com, he also added: "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."
The manager’s point is straightforward enough. Grealish is not being sold as fully up to speed, but Everton do appear ready to use him before he is entirely re-settled, and that lines up with the club’s mood going into Tottenham vs Everton.
Everton's attack and Tottenham's injury list
There is still a bigger problem behind the Grealish news. Thierno Barry is currently the club’s only recognised striker, and Moyes suggested Everton may have to deal with what they have until the January transfer window. That leaves the loan return as the most obvious attacking boost available right now.
Tottenham’s update is mixed. James Maddison is back, D. Kulusevski has not been working with the group in the last week, and Mohammed Kudus is very close to being ready to start against Everton. Moyes also kept one eye on Christian Nørgaard’s status, with reports split on whether he is expected back before or after the international break.
The balance of the game may turn on which side gets its attacking players onto the pitch quickest. Everton have Grealish available again, but they still have to manage a thin forward line. Tottenham have more names in the building, but not all of them are ready to go at once.
Saturday now gives Grealish a proper chance to show that the training ground is not the story anymore, because Moyes has already said he is ready to start and the match in north London is next on the list.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
