Everton manager David Moyes was asked about the key centre-backs ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium
David Moyes is asked a question at his Everton press conference to preview the visit of Chelsea
David Moyes is asked a question at his Everton press conference to preview the visit of Chelsea
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David Moyes has hinted that first-choice centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite could be back in the squad for Saturday's big Premier League game at home to Chelsea (5.30pm kick-off).
The pair missed last weekend's harsh 2-0 defeat at leaders Arsenal. After the match, which saw the Gunners score twice late on to deny the Blues a deserved point, Moyes refused to expand on why Tarkowski and Branthwaite were absent.
But asked at his press conference to preview the first-ever visit of Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium for an update on the defenders, the Blues boss said: "Both hopefully will be in and around the squad.
"We did great without them, so, if we didn't have them, I'd be fine – but we've got them back amongst it, I think."
Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien deputised for Tarkowski and Branthwaite agaainst Arsenal and impressed.
Everton will definitely be without Jack Grealish tomorrow as well as the player they signed to replace the injured on-loan Manchester City star, Tyrique George, who will be ineligible to face his parent club.
Moyes was asked no further team news questions in the open section of his press conference, so there was no update on Carlos Alcaraz.
But there were questions over Thierno Barry, who after the Arsenal match, shared images of what police described as an “altercation” in the away stands at the Emirates, claiming his associates had to be escorted away by security staff due to safety concerns.
The striker later denied claims friends of his in the Everton end were supporting the Gunners.
And Moyes said: "Yes, we've spoke about it. The club has spoken to him. So we have addressed it, but it's not my worry to be honest."