David Moyes stares concernedly towards the Brighton badge, which features in a circular insert.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Fri 22 August 2025 13:46, UK
David Moyes has issued a crucial update on the fitness of several of his key players ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton.
The match will be a landmark moment for the Toffees as they prepare for Premier League football in their new Hill Dickinson Stadium home for the first time.
Everton succumbed to defeat at Leeds in their opening game of the new league campaign, and they will be desperate to bounce back with three points on home turf this weekend.
The Merseysiders will be hoping for a convincing victory to help kick-start their campaign, but they will have to do so without some key options after Moyes’ latest injury update.
Hill Dickinson Stadium from the sky
The Hill Dickinson Stadium will host its first Premier League game against Brighton. (Credit: Imago)
Jarrad Branthwaite still out as Adam Aznou could return
Moyes was forced to play James Garner out of position at left-back on Monday night, with his squad already stretched thinly on the opening game.
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Vitalii Mykolenko and Adam Aznou were both absent for the trip to West Yorkshire, with the defensive pair both sidelined through injury.
Monday’s game also came too soon for both Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson, as Moyes was left to deal with a number of injuries within his backline.
The boss was forced to start with a fairly makeshift rearguard, but he appears to be hopeful of a return to a more familiar-looking unit for Sunday’s visit of Brighton.
The 62-year-old provided an update on the injury concerns within the squad during his pre-match press conference, with Aznou the only one potentially in line for a return.
“Branthwaite is on the way but not fit, neither is Mykolenko,” Moyes confirmed.
“Patterson is not available either.”
Everton’s manager then went on to note that Aznou returned to first-team training on Friday, but he was unclear as to whether he expects the Moroccan to make the game.
Everton manager David Moyes looking serious
Moyes will still be without Branthwaite and Mykolenko. (Credit: Imago)
Hill Dickinson Stadium to be key for Everton
The Hill Dickinson Stadium will hold the key for Everton if they are to push towards the top half of the Premier League table this term.
The Toffees’ impressive new home is a real step forward for the club, and the will be desperate to get up and running with a win at the weekend.
Date Opponent
24 August Brighton
13 September Aston Villa
29 September West Ham
4 October Crystal Palace
26 October Tottenham
Everton’s first five home Premier League games.
Moyes’ men have some favourable fixtures coming up on home turf, which creates the perfect opportunity to build a similarly formidable atmosphere and environment to the one which blessed them for several years at Goodison Park.
That begins with the visit of Brighton, who opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Fulham on the South Coast.
It is by no means a routine encounter for Everton, but a win could be vital for their fortunes over the next few months.
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