Sean Dyche was speaking after Everton's 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Goodison Park
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Sean Dyche gesticulates during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, on December 22, 2024
(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ashley Young will be assessed for a potential neck injury after Everton’s draw with Chelsea. The veteran was withdrawn midway through the second half after initially trying to play through the issue.
He will be absent for his side’s next game, the Boxing Day trip to Manchester City, regardless of his fitness - the 39-year-old will serve a one game suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Young continued his impressive form with a solid display against high-flying Chelsea, working hard to keep Jadon Sancho quiet in the first half. He was withdrawn while on a booking, a move Dyche said was partly as a precaution because of the neck injury.
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His withdrawal also allowed the introduction of fresh legs in the final minutes, as well as an opportunity for Seamus Coleman, who looks favourite to step up at the Etihad, to taste match action in preparation for that game.
Everton will be able to turn to Armando Broja in Manchester. The striker was ineligible on Saturday because the terms of his loan mean he is unable to face parent club Chelsea. In his place, young striker Youssef Chermiti took a spot on the bench for the first time this season after he suffered a foot problem in the summer.
Meanwhile, work continues to help Dwight McNeil overcome a knee issue. He was absent for the second game in a row after he re-aggravated an injury first suffered earlier this year.
Of his condition, Dyche explained: “He’s still settling his knee down. We don’t think it's too drastic, but it is taking a bit more time than we hoped for.”