Everton news: Grealish out, Moyes record and Branthwaite latest

Everton news round-up – Thursday 5 November 2026, 7pm

Jack Grealish will miss Friday’s meeting with Coventry City, David Moyes is preparing to equal a long-standing club record and Jarrad Branthwaite faces a late fitness check.

There has also been more support for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s England ambitions, while the running figures behind Everton‘s midfield have prompted a comparison with Joe Royle’s famous Dogs of War.

Here is Thursday’s Everton news round-up.

Grealish ruled out against Coventry

Moyes confirmed at Thursday’s press conference that Grealish will miss a fourth successive match when Coventry visit Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“Jack is not available. I wouldn’t give you the plan, but we will be working with Jack again soon,” he said.

Grealish has been absent through illness, a disciplinary breach and fitness concerns. Moyes has indicated there is a way back for the winger, but would not say whether the international break might help resolve the situation.

Reports earlier on Thursday suggested Everton were not considering ending Grealish’s loan from Manchester City in January, although the club has made no formal announcement on his future.

Moyes prepares to equal Catterick’s record

Friday will be Moyes’ 592nd match as Everton manager, bringing him level with Harry Catterick’s club record. The Scot said he was proud to be mentioned alongside Catterick, who won two league titles and the FA Cup during his time in charge. Moyes also reflected on his arrival in 2002 and the origins of his famous description of Everton as the “People’s Club”.

He is set to become Everton’s outright record-holder when the Blues visit Brentford on 23 November.

Branthwaite a doubt for Friday

Jarrad Branthwaite faces a late assessment after coming off with cramp during Monday’s 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle. Moyes said Everton were monitoring the defender and remained hopeful he would be available. His involvement against Coventry has not yet been confirmed.

Coventry will be without Haji Wright and Aurèle Amenda, while Josh Eccles and Luke Woolfenden are also expected to miss the match. Bobby Thomas and Frank Onyeka face fitness checks.

Moyes backs Dewsbury-Hall’s England chances

Moyes has again backed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for international recognition ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement on Friday. The Everton midfielder has been named player of the match in both recent victories over Newcastle, and Moyes believes his form deserves consideration.

He acknowledged the competition for places but said Dewsbury-Hall was “knocking on the door” for a first senior England call-up.

Dogs of War 2.0? Everton midfield catches the eye

Harrison Armstrong, James Garner and Dewsbury-Hall have provided much of the running power behind Everton’s recent improvement. According to FotMob, Armstrong is averaging 11.9 kilometres per 90 minutes, with Garner and Dewsbury-Hall both covering 11.2km.

Their work rate has invited comparisons with the midfield that helped Joe Royle’s Dogs of War win the FA Cup in 1995. It is a high bar, but the commitment shown by the current trio has given supporters something to appreciate.

Lampard returns as Coventry visit Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton will look to make it three consecutive victories in all competitions when Coventry arrive on Friday for an 8pm GMT kick-off. The match marks Frank Lampard’s first return to face Everton as an opposing manager since leaving the club in January 2023. His Coventry side have collected nine points from their past five Premier League matches.

Supporters travelling to Hill Dickinson Stadium have been advised to allow extra time because of rail engineering works and roadworks near the ground. Everton have published a matchday guide with travel arrangements and stadium information.

For the full fixture details, see our Everton v Coventry viewing and match guide.

For all the latest Everton news, reaction and analysis, visit our Everton news page.