Everton suspend AWOL Jo

Moyes left fuming by AWOL striker

Last updated: 2nd January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Everton suspend AWOL Jo

Jo: Suspended

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Everton have suspended striker Jo for a breach of club discipline.

Jo, who is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, is understood to have returned to his native Brazil for Christmas without permission from the club.

Everton have now decided to act in suspending the striker from the club and he will not be available for this weekend's FA Cup tie with Carlisle.

Toffees boss David Moyes is not happy with Jo and admitted the club had no choice but to punish him.

"We like Jo and he has been a really good lad. We have enjoyed having him but there has to be discipline at all football clubs," said Moyes.

"He left over a busy period for us and left us short of players. I found it very difficult so at the moment he's suspended from the club."

Asked if it was a short-term measure for the player, Moyes said: "At the moment yes, it might change in the coming weeks but at the moment that is the situation."

The news casts doubt over Jo's long-term future at Goodison Park, with the player due to stay on Merseyside until the end of the current campaign.

Jo initially joined Everton on loan during last winter's transfer window and he returned in a similar deal in the summer.

The 22-year-old has found it difficult to hold down a place in Moyes' side this season and has scored only two goals.