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Dwight McNeil missed Arsenal v Everton [Credit: Imago]
Jonathan Burnett
Sat 14 December 2024 21:40, UK
Dwight McNeil missed the 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Everton with hopefully a “minor” knee injury, according to Joe Thomas.
The Liverpool Echo journalist posted on X before the Toffees’ stalemate at the Emirates on 14 December, stating that McNeil would miss the match after his knee became an issue during the week.
McNeil, replaced in the side by Jack Harrison, also missed the Blues’ draw at West Ham last month, but it’s currently unclear as to whether or not this problem is related to the same knee injury.
Thomas said: “Dwight McNeil absent from Everton’s squad with what is hoped to be a minor knee injury.
“Became an issue in the week – not yet sure whether it is an aggravation of same knee issue that ruled him out at West Ham.”
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Dwight McNeil a huge miss for Everton in Arsenal stalemate
Although Sean Dyche’s side clung on for a point at the Emirates following a dogged defensive display, they provided next to nothing in attack with Harrison in particular a passenger in the final third.
Scoring goals has been a problem for the Toffees throughout this season, and of their seven players to have found the net (minus own goals), McNeil’s three strikes make up a third of their overall tally.
As a result, missing their talismanic number seven at the Emirates gave the visitors one less attacking outlet, making it no surprise that Jordan Pickford and his defence were so busy.
Dyche has few better options in the final third than McNeil, and if he has aggravated last month’s knee injury, the 25-year-old facing a spell on the sidelines would be catastrophic for their survival hopes.
With Dan Friedkin’s arrival and the January transfer window both nearing, the new Blues owner will be looking to help the squad and kick on for more important points in the Premier League.
In other Everton news, one Toffees player could be given an ultimatum over his future at Goodison Park as contract talks stall.
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