Jô suspended by Everton over unauthorised trip to Brazil

Everton have suspended their on-loan striker Jô for a breach of club discipline, according to the manager, David Moyes. The Brazilian returned to South America over Christmas without permission, leaving the club without cover up front. "He left over a busy period for us," Moyes told Sky Sports News. "He is back now but he left us short of players so at the moment he is suspended. I am disappointed. We like Jô, he has been a really good lad and we have enjoyed having him. But there has to be discipline at all football clubs." Although Jô, who has been suffering from a knee injury, will be missing from Everton's squad to face Carlisle in the FA Cup, Moyes indicated the punishment was likely only to be short-term. Jô joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in July having previously spent a successful six-month spell at Goodison Park. However, despite scoring five times in 11 league starts last season, his return in 2009-10 has been just two goals in 24 appearances in all competitions. The 22-year-old cost City £18m from CSKA Moscow in 2008 but he was moved out during the January transfer window after scoring just three goals. His agent indicated earlier this week that the player was likely to cut short his stay at Everton, with a return to CSKA a possibility.