Everton boss David Moyes. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Everton boss David Moyes. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Everton early team news ahead of the Premier League clash against Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes already knew what was coming. Since returning as Everton manager almost a year ago, he’d have been aware that Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye were going to be absent for a period this season.
The African Cup of Nations impacts 11 Premier League teams in total. To sign players from the continent, it is acknowledged that clubs will be without them every two years.
And with Ndiaye and Gueye representing Senegal, who are among the favourites to win the crown for a second time, it could be well into January until the pair return to Merseyside. Moyes completely respects that the duo will head off for a period, although he cannot deny that it is a double blow.
Certainly, Arsenal’s defence will be glad that Ndiaye is not available for Saturday’s clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The winger has been outstanding throughout the campaign, producing four goals and two assists in 16 Premier League games. And despite being aged 36, Gueye remains a key cog in the Everton team.
However, Everton’s 2-0 loss against Chelsea was not only Ndiaye and Gueye’s final games for perhaps the next month, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could face a spell on the sidelines. The attacking midfielder is another who has been excellent this term since signing from Chelsea, scoring four times and creating three. But his return to Stamford Bridge was cut short after sustaining a suspected hamstring injury in the 16th minute.
Moyes said it was too early to give further details on Dewsbury-Hall’s issue. However, if it is a hamstring problem, it is unlikely that he will be back to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Everton’s attacking triumvirate of Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish have rightly garnered praise aplenty. Yet Moyes could have none of them available against the Gunners. The Toffees boss admitted that Grealish, who has fired two goals and created four during his loan spell from Manchester City, picked up some hamstring discomfort against Chelsea.
Everton will have to assess Grealish’s issue as they will not want to aggravate it any further, especially if Dewsbury-Hall is confined to the treatment table for a prolonged period.
Against Chelsea, the Toffees were already missing Jarrad Branthwaite, Merlin Rohl and Seamus Coleman. Branthwaite has not made a single appearance this season after suffering a hamstring injury during the summer. The key centre-back is back on the grass but will need time to build up his fitness and strength. Everton will not want to take any chances with their prized asset.
Rohl, who underwent hernia surgery last month, is also training outside and Everton will have to make a decision on whether he can return to the squad. Blues captain Coleman has a hamstring issue.
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