Carlos Alcaraz and Mark Travers were both absent from the Everton squad against Manchester United after suffering injuries
Carlos Alcaraz arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor. Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor. Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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Carlos Alcaraz is expected to be out for “weeks” with his latest injury. David Moyes said the attacking midfielder picked up a knock amid final preparations for Everton’s game with Manchester United on Monday night.
And while he did not specify the nature of the injury, Moyes did concede it could rule the 23-year-old out for some of the Blues’ upcoming matches.
Alcaraz was one of two surprise absences from the squad the Everton manager named for the narrow defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes had told reporters on Friday that he expected to have a full squad to choose from - with the exception of the suspended Jake O’Brien and Jack Grealish, who is a long-term injury absence. The second was back-up goalkeeper Mark Travers.
On Alcaraz, Moyes said before kick-off: “We've got near enough a fully fit squad with the exception of Jack Grealish and, unfortunately, Charly Alcaraz picked up an injury in training yesterday which has ruled him out.”
After the 1-0 defeat to United, courtesy of Benjamin Sesko’s second-half strike, Moyes provided a timeframe for Alcaraz’s absence that suggested he will, at least, miss the weekend trip to Newcastle United on Saturday and the home game with Burnley next Tuesday.
Alcaraz scored the winner at St James’ Park last season, one of several match-winning performances that convinced Everton to convert his loan move from Flamengo to a permanent one in the summer. His latest setback comes after he missed several games through the new year with a hamstring injury.
Travers, meanwhile, has suffered a finger injury that is currently being assessed. The 26-year-old has served as Jordan Pickford’s deputy since his arrival from Bournemouth in the summer, a role Tom King took on against Man United.
Academy goalkeeper George Pickford has been recalled from his loan spell with National League North side Southport while the Blues await news on the severity of Travers’ issue.
The teenager moved to Haig Avenue earlier this month and played three games for the Sandgrounders but that spell has been terminated as a precaution. He did not make the matchday squad on Monday night but was part of the pre-match preparations and has been given the number 50 shirt.
There is hope George Pickford, who trained with Everton at Finch Farm during his loan spell, will be able to return to Southport if Travers’ recovery allows Moyes to sanction his departure.
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