Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed that midfielder Merlin Rohl is unavailable for Monday’s trip to Manchester.
Indeed, after undergoing a hernia operation, the 23-year-old will be out until next month.
Speaking at today’s pre-match press conference, Moyes revealed Rohl will be ‘out for a few weeks’.
The Everton manager said: “Unfortunately, Merlin had an operation a week last Monday on his hernia. It’s going to keep him out for a few weeks.
“Hopefully by the time we get around to December, he’ll be fit and ready to go again.”
The German midfielder has impressed since his summer arrival from Bundesliga side Freiburg.
However, Moyes has restricted the young midfielder to just 91 minutes of football across four cameo appearances.
ROHL INJURY A BLOW FOR MOYES AHEAD OF BIG GAME
With Idrissa Gueye departing for AFCON next month, it was expected that Rohl would begin to play a bigger part in the coming weeks.
This injury setback complicates matters, however, and it’s unclear whether or not the German will recover in time.
If Rohl remains unavailable, James Garner will likely get the nod in midfield once Gueye departs.
The 24-year-old was impressive at right-back in the 2-0 win over Fulham, though Jake O’Brien may have to occupy that position once more.
Alternatively, his countryman Seamus Coleman could feature, after impressing for Ireland during the international break.
It’s a headache Moyes could do without and frustrating news for fans who’ve been keen to see what Rohl is capable of.
Everton go into the game on Monday just three points behind United, who’ve found form in recent weeks.
Indeed, Ruben Amorim’s side are unbeaten in five games in the Premier League, with three wins and two draws.
Moyes also confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson also remain sidelined for Monday’s fixture.