Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed he has suspended on-loan striker Jo for a breach of club discipline after the Brazilian returned to South America without permission.
Moyes is furious that the player, who has been suffering from a knee injury, has returned home to Brazil.
Jo is a on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City but his future at Goodison Park now looks uncertain.
Asked if it was short-term measure, Moyes said: “At the moment, it might change in the future, but at the moment it is.”
Moyes added: “Jo went back to Brazil without permission from the football club. He is now back but is suspended at the present time.
“I am disappointed. We like Jo, he has been a really good lad and we have enjoyed having him.
“But there has to be discipline at all football clubs. He left over a busy period when we were short of players. I found it very difficult so he is suspended from the club.”
Jo last featured for Everton in the 3-3 draw against Chelsea three weeks ago after rejoining the club from Manchester City in July.
He has managed just two goals this season, neither of them in the Premier League.
Jo had impressed on a shorter loan deal at the end of the 2008/09 campaign, scoring five goals in 12 games and a further deal was subsequently agreed.
The Brazilian moved to the Premier League in July 2008 and was then Man City’s record signing for €20 million on a four-year deal.
He joined the side boasting a record of 44 goals in 77 games from his time with CSKA Moscow but struggled to adapt to life at Eastlands.