The Everton full-back was withdrawn against Chelsea after injuring his neck
Sean Dyche has confirmed Ashley Young will miss Everton's Boxing Day match
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By RYAN WALKER
Published: 05:30 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 05:31 EST, 23 December 2024
Sean Dyche has revealed there was immediate concern for Ashley Young after he 'ripped his neck' during Everton's weekend draw against Chelsea.
The Toffees continued to put greater distance between themselves and the Premier League's relegation zone with a goalless draw at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Young started the match at right-back but was later hooked by Dyche in the 73rd minute just moments after he attempted a header and will now miss Everton's Boxing Day clash against Man City.
The 39-year-old was already ruled out of the match through suspension having picked up his fifth yellow card versus Chelsea and is now nursing an injury as revealed by the Everton boss.
Young required treatment after being replaced by Seamus Coleman with 15 minutes remaining against Chelsea amid concern that he could be seriously injured.
Speaking after the match, Dyche provided an update on the former Manchester United star's fitness.
Ashley Young 'ripped his neck' during Everton's goalless weekend draw against Chelsea
Young started against Chelsea at right-back before being subbed off in the 73rd minute
'Youngy is suspended anyway but he ripped his neck then he did a brilliant header at the far stick,' said Dyche after the game.
'We had to take him off for both reasons - to make sure he was OK physically and was on a yellow card.'
The extent of Young's injury will determine whether he is able to play against his son Tyler when Everton take on Peterborough United in an FA Cup tie on January 9.
Young is eager to take on his 18-year-old son during the cup encounter and will be hoping his neck injury isn't serious enough to keep him sidelined for any prolonged period of time.
Everton boss Sean Dyche confirmed Young had suffered a neck injury during the match
Meanwhile, Young's future past the end of the season remains to be seen amid new owners The Friedkin Group completing their takeover at the club last week.
Young is amongst a number of players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season with it yet to be seen if the former England international will be offered an extension.
The ex-Premier League title winner could look to retire if his career isn't extended at Everton in the summer.
Young has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season with the majority of those coming in the Premier League where he has scored one goal and provided three assists.