The festive period is upon us and Everton have a very busy schedule to contend with leading into the new year.
David Moyes’ side have seven Premier League games over the next month, so there’s a lot riding on this period.
Everton are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table, but they’re within touching distance of Europe, so it could all change pretty quickly.
The Toffees are back in action against Bournemouth this evening, although Paul Merson reckons it’ll be another defeat.
It will be one of Iliman Ndiaye’s last games before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations alongside his Senegal teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.
With that said, here is the exact date the key duo leave.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
When do Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye leave Everton for AFCON?
Everton are preparing to lose both Ndiaye and Gueye later this month as they’re both star players for Senegal.
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That will be a major blow for Moyes, as he’ll be without arguably his best player in Ndiaye and certainly his best midfielder in Gueye.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has reported that Premier League clubs will be allowed to retain AFCON players until December the 15th.
So, that means the Everton duo will be available for three more games, with their final one coming against Chelsea on December the 13th.
Bournemouth (A)
Nottingham Forest (H)
Chelsea (A)
Gueye will be suspended for the Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest clash, but should be back for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Tyler Dibling will finally get his chance in Iliman Ndiaye’s absence
Whilst it’s going to be difficult without Ndiaye, there is a silver lining as Tyler Dibling will finally get the chance to show what he’s about.
Dibling has played just 72 minutes of Premier League football since his £40m switch from Southampton, so he’ll be desperate to impress.
Dibling has been impressing coaches around Finch Farm and many have been left confused by his lack of game time.
The teenager did make his first appearance in weeks against Newcastle at the weekend, so clearly Moyes is gearing him up to play a key role over the Christmas period.
Dibling could even start against Bournemouth, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dropping deeper to partner James Garner.
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