Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Everton have been dealt a major injury blow with Michael Keane not included in their side to face Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
The Toffees are in need of a bounce-back result following their thumping at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Newcastle United.
David Moyes is going to be without Keane in defence alongside James Tarkowski for the first time this season.
After the win over Manchester United, Everton fans were singing Keane’s name from the away end at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old has proven to be a crucial signing over the summer, with Jarrad Branthwaite also suffering his own injury issues.
However, Everton are now facing a stint without the centre-back, who was a surprise absence from the side on Tuesday evening.
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David Moyes shares Michael Keane injury update at Everton
Moyes has been delighted with Keane’s performances this season having been thrown in as Branthwaite’s replacement.
Jake O’Brien returned to his natural position at centre-back to face the Cherries, with James Garner in at right-back.
Speaking to the Everton media team before the game, Moyes shared exactly why Keane was not playing for the Blues.
“He had a little bit of an injury going into the Newcastle game and played but unfortunately he couldn’t make this one, so we’ve had to make a change,” said the 62-year-old.
“We don’t know [how long he’ll be out]. We hope he might [recover] quite quickly.”
Keane has demanded improvements from Everton throughout the season as one of the senior figures in the squad.
Moyes will be hoping that Keane’s issue is nothing too serious as it may add another need to the January transfer list.
Everton’s squad depth is being stretched ahead of January
Everton News columnist Alan Myers is wanting to see Everton sign three players in January, with some clear positions needing to be added.
With Seamus Coleman and Merlin Rohl recently sidelined through injuries, Moyes has now seen his options depleted on Merseyside.
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Jarrad Branthwaite is still recovering from surgery following his latest hamstring setback.
January was expected to be an opportunity for Everton to build on the quality added over the summer.
However, it is now turning into a crucial window for the Toffees to really bolster the depth of their squad amid all of these injuries.