Sean Dyche, Arsenal, Everton
Everton and Arsenal face off at Emirates Stadium (Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Thu 12 December 2024 17:40, UK
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Everton will be without two players for the clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
The Blues host Arsenal on 14 December with momentum on their side following a 4-0 hammering against Wolves in their last match.
However, the Merseyside derby (7 December) was postponed due to Storm Darragh which means that the Toffees have had a ten-day break that could stifle that momentum.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Dyche revealed that some players are nearing a return to fitness, with Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti, Nathan Patterson, Jake O’Brien and Armando Broja all playing in a behind closed-doors match.
However, Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are definitely ruled out of the contest with Mikel Arteta’s side, Dyche said: “A few played in a game the other day – five or six, with Seamus playing some minutes and Broja, Youssef going well, Patto, and Jake too.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
“Keano has come through his, Tim is a bit longer down the road but still not on the grass and Jimmy is the same, still making progress.”
Dyche needs results to save Everton future
The Blues are just five points above the relegation zone but have a game-in-hand after last weekend’s derby was postponed.
That Toffees had momentum going into that contest after a 4-0 victory against Wolves in the week (4 December).
However, that may have been wiped out following a ten-day rest for Dyche’s side before their clash with the title-chasing Gunners.
Sean Dyche Everton fans
Everton fan calls for Sean Dyche’s sack. (Credit: Premier League Productions)
The Blues face a brutal festive period with matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest before the new year.
Dyche is still under pressure despite the emphatic win against Wolves, so needs positive results in that period to save his job.
Whether Blues supporters will want to get a positive result in the Arsenal fixture is another matter, it could help arch-rivals Liverpool in the title race.
In other Everton news, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be dropped when the Blues host Arsenal on Saturday.
For more Everton news, follow us onFacebookor join our brand newWhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts