Everton have just under two weeks to prepare for their next game in the Premier League which comes away to Liverpool.
It was only a matter of weeks ago when the final-ever Merseyside Derby was played out at Goodison Park.
The game will evoke lasting memories for Everton fans who witness James Tarkowski secure a point with a stunning late equaliser.
Arne Slot’s side will be coming into the game with a point to prove after being dumped out of Europe and losing the Carabao Cup final last week.
Virgil van Dijk issued a major dig at Everton following the recent draw at Goodison, a speech which has not aged very well.
The red half of Merseyside are starting to endure a few struggles of late and there has been even more bad news for them ahead of the game at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool receive Trent Alexander-Arnold injury update ahead of Everton
Everton have just seen Dwight McNeil return to training over recent days, with the hope he could return for the derby.
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It is about time Everton were handed some positive injury news, but that has not been the case for Slot this week.
According to The Athletic, Trent Alexander-Arnold will certainly miss the Merseyside Derby at the beginning of April.
The right-back will not even return to training until some point next month, meaning Everton will be coming up against a backup right-back.
Over the weekend, Newcastle were able to get the better of fill-in full-back Jarell Quansah as they got the better of the Reds.
And that is something which Moyes will surely be targeting as a potential weak spot after a far from inspiring display by the England international.
3/7 ground duels won
1/3 aerial duels won
1X dribbled past
2 fouls conceded
Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on the England squad to Quansah, a decision which has confused many across the country.
Liverpool also receive worrying Ryan Gravenberch injury news
Alexander-Arnold’s issue is not the only blow Liverpool have received on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, it was announced by the club that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch had departed the Netherlands’ squad due to a fitness issue.
The extent of his problem is not yet known, but it spells even more bad news for the Reds just 13 days out from the derby at Anfield.
Idrissa Gana Gueye has dominated in Everton’s midfield this season and with a player like Gravenberch potentially out, this will be music to the ears of Moyes.
Everton have been unable to convert draws into wins lately, and there would be no better way to getting three points on the board than doing so at Anfield.