Everton return from the international break next week with an away trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
It may only have been a matter of weeks since the first Merseyside Derby of the season, but the two sides are ready to go at it again.
David Moyes will have been watching the international break like a hawk hoping for no further injury issues to be added to his list.
Unfortunately, there has been one, with Vitaliy Mykolenko suffering an injury for Ukraine in the first of their games.
Everton already have a number of injury issues which the 61-year-old manager will have to navigate ahead of next Wednesday’s clash.
Adding to Everton’s concerns, their rivals have now been handed a double injury boost following their own international worries.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker shares Merseyside Derby injury update
The Toffees have had their own boost, though, with Dwight McNeil returning to Everton training last week after months on the sidelines.
But Arne Slot has also been given a major boost following Alisson Becker’s scare whilst away with Brazil last week.
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Taking to social media, Alisson posted an update about his concussion worry stating that he is fine and just following protocols.
Alisson Becker shares injury update on his Instagram account.
Alisson Becker shares injury update on his Instagram account. Credit: @alissonbecker.
“Hey guys, just to let you know I’m fine! Just have to follow the protocols! Thanks for the messages,” he said.
Although Liverpool have strong backup to Alisson in Caoimhin Kelleher, this will mark a major boost for the Reds going into the game.
But the Toffees have their own strength between the sticks, with Jordan Pickford enjoying his international break with England.
Both keepers were beaten earlier in the year at Goodison Park and Everton will be hoping to get what they deserve this time around.
Ryan Gravenberch also expected to play against Everton
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch withdrew from the Netherlands’ camp due to an injury scare.
However, Slot has been handed further good news on his compatriot with the midfielder looking set to be available for the game against Everton.
BBC Sport have insisted the issue worrying the Dutch midfielder is nothing serious, which has allowed him some extra rest ahead of the derby.
After Virgil van Dijk’s dig at Everton following the draw last month, Moyes’ men will be all out for three points next week.