Everton have suspended on-loan striker Jo for a breach of discipline after the Brazilian returned to South America without permission over Christmas. Jo, 22, is in his second loan spell with Everton from Manchester City. “We like Jo but there has to be discipline at football clubs,” said Everton boss David Moyes.
“He left over a busy period and left us short of players. We’ve suspended him from the club. It might change but at the moment that’s the situation.”
The 6ft 3in forward, whose full name is Joao Alves de Assis Silva, scored 44 goals in 77 games for CSKA Moscow before joining City in July 2008. He signed a four-year deal for a fee thought to be in the region of £18m but struggled to adjust to the Premier League and, following a return only three goals in 18 games, joined Everton on loan for the second half of last season.
After returning to Eastlands at the end of the campaign, Jo rejoined the Toffees in July but has been largely used as a substitute, scoring two goals in 24 appearances. South American players often return home for the Christmas break and late returns have been a recurring problem for European clubs.
