David Moyes revealed Michael Keane had fought through injury to help his team at the weekend
Michael Keane missed out on Everton's win at Bournemouth
Michael Keane missed out on Everton's win at Bournemouth
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Michael Keane played through Everton’s defeat to Newcastle United despite being injured, David Moyes confirmed.
The centre back, who has enjoyed an impressive started to the season, missed the Blues’ win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night with an issue that initially emerged last month. His absence forced a reshuffle that saw Jake O’Brien moved to centre back and James Garner switched from midfield to the right of the defence.
It was an unexpected change that threatened to further destabilise a squad already weakened by the suspension of Idrissa Gueye and injuries to Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl. Nathan Patterson did, however, return to the matchday squad after his own long-term injury battle.
Speaking after the match, Moyes declined to provide specific details on the injury, understood to be a calf complaint, but did add: “He actually played with the injury against Newcastle and we just couldn't keep him [playing] any longer. So we hope he'll not be [out for] too long.”
Keane has put his body on the line when required by Everton managers. Last season, he played through a knock under Sean Dyche in the draw at Leicester City. He also played despite not being 100% for Everton at Tottenham Hotspur under Frank Lampard.
His absence provided O’Brien with a rare opportunity to move to his preferred centre back position and the Republic of Ireland international excelled - winning the Premier League man of the match accolade as he helped Everton towards a clean sheet.
Of the defender’s display, Moyes said: “Jake did well and we're pleased. He's a center half, as we know, but he's got big competition to get in that slot.”