David Moyes has provided an Everton injury update ahead of facing Newcastle United on Sunday.
After waving an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, the Toffees head to another historic ground in St James’ Park.
Everton have nothing to play for on the final day, while Newcastle United have everything. Eddie Howe’s side will qualify for the Champions League with victory, while dropping points will mean relying on other results.
It is a massive game for the Magpies, with Howe sweating on the fitness of key players.
As for Everton, they have lost a key player ahead of the final Premier League game of the season.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton suffer double injury blow ahead of Newcastle United
Ahead of facing Newcastle United, Everton manager David Moyes has provided an injury update.
Jarrad Branthwaite suffered an injury during the win over Southampton last weekend, and Moyes has told the media that the 22-year-old defender will miss Sunday’s game.
“Jarrad is injured and won’t be available,” he said.
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“He’ll be out for four or five weeks with his hamstring [injury]. It’s a big loss but we have to live with it.
“Seamus [Coleman] has a thigh strain so he won’t be available, either.”
As well as Branthwaite and Coleman, Everton will also be without James Tarkowski, Jesper Linsdtrom and Orel Mangala.
Newcastle United await Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier news
As for Newcastle United, Howe is awaiting confirmation on Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier’s availability.
Isak has a groin problem, which resulted in him missing Newcastle’s loss against Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match versus Everton, Howe admitted that Isak has a chance of returning to the Newcastle United squad.
On Isak, Howe said: “Alex is doing okay, hasn’t trained with us yet but has made good progress. Next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend. There is a chance, we will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
As for Trippier, he has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Brighton. His absence has seen the Magpies shift to a back five, with Sven Botman coming into the starting XI.
Trippier is yet to be ruled out of Sunday’s game, with Howe stating that the 34-year-old could also be involved.
“Kieran hasn’t trained with us yet but has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load. We will see on his availability,” he said.
However, Joelinton will not play against Everton due to his knee injury.