A look at the fitness situation at both clubs as Everton prepare to face Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday
Jordan Pickford was 'devastated' after the injury to Seamus Coleman
Jordan Pickford was 'devastated' after the injury to Seamus Coleman
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Having defeated Fulham 2-0 before the last international break and Manchester United 1-0 on their return, Everton are looking to record a hat-trick of victories on Saturday but up to eight players could be missing from both sides as Newcastle United make their first ever trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Despite David Moyes’ men becoming the first team in Premier League history to triumph at Old Trafford having a man sent off, Idrissa Gueye’s bizarre dismissal on Monday night when he was shown the red card by referee Tony Harrington for slapping team-mate Michael Keane in the face ensures that the Senegal international is now starting a three-match ban that will also see him suspended for the away game with Bournemouth and the reunion with former manager Sean Dyche as Nottingham Forest are next up on the Mersey waterfront after the Magpies. Club captain Seamus Coleman also endured a tough night against the Red Devils, even though the man who has played more Premier League games than anyone else was making his 433rd appearance, to join his former team-mate Leon Osman and all-time leading goalscorer Dixie Dean in the top 10.
On the back of starting both the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying wins over Portugal and Hungary the previous week, the 37-year-old, who was making his first Premier League start since the 2-0 victory over Southampton on May 18 in Everton’s final game at Goodison Park (when he was forced off after 18 minutes) had an even shorter outing this time as a hamstring problem saw him withdrawn just 10 minutes after kick-off to be replaced by compatriot Jake O’Brien.
Afterwards, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said: “I was devastated for Seamie because everyone knows what type of lad he is, everyone knows how hard working he is and he thoroughly deserved his chance (only) to come off injured but then Jake’s straight on and puts in a great shift. That’s what a team is, don’t dwell on not getting picked, be ready when you get called upon and that’s what all the subs did tonight.”
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Moyes revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United that transfer deadline day signing Merlin Rohl has had an operation on a hernia and said the Germany Under-21 midfielder who is on a season-loan loan from Freiburg with an obligation to buy next summer, would be out for “a few weeks.” Also on the sidelines are right-back Nathan Patterson, who has undergone a procedure on his groin, and centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who also had an operation last month for a hamstring injury, with neither having kicked a ball for the first team so far this season.
Meanwhile, with Newcastle United having to juggle their domestic schedule with Champions League football – having qualified on the final day of last season despite Charly Alcaraz’s headed goal condemning them to a 1-0 defeat to Everton at St James’ Park – the Magpies have been hit by damaging setbacks in crucial positions so far this term, which has severely limited Eddie Howe’s ability to rotate his squad. That is starting to change, with the bench for the 2-1 defeat at Olympique Marseille on Tuesday night boasting the likes of Nick Woltemade, Lewis Hall, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Sven Botman.
The North East outfit’s injury situation is easing, but several key players remain sidelined and are doubts for Saturday’s trip to Merseyside where they will once again attempt to reverse their terrible away form, having not won on their travels in the Premier League all season. How they could have done with Yoane Wissa, with Howe having precious little alternative to £65million man Woltemade up front.
The DR Congo striker is yet to play for the club after a £55m move from Brentford but his return is rapidly approaching. Saturday could come too soon, but with the African Cup of Nations starting at the end of December, Wissa is set to feature in the coming packed schedule as he recovers from a knee problem.
Even back-up striker William Osula has been unavailable in recent weeks with an ankle/foot problem and could again be missing for the Everton game. However, Tino Livramento’s return has been timely, as Kieran Trippier has missed the last two matches with a hamstring problem and the 35-year-old defender’s expected return date remains unclear at this stage.