Everton have been reduced to bare bones with several key personnel ruled out due to injuries. Everton’s wafer thin squad depth has seen them lose the last two fixtures. It was hardly Rafa Benitez’s fault. He simply doesn’t have enough difference makers at his disposal at the moment. The Toffees further faced an injury scare when Andre Gomes and Lucas Digne came off against QPR.
Gomes came off in the 58th minute while left back Digne came off in the 80th minute. Post game, Benitez did confirm that there was an issue with the duo but he was hopeful it wasn’t too serious.
"We have a couple of issues. We will see what happens with Andre Gomes and Lucas Digne. I suspect it won’t be too serious but we’ll have to see how they are tomorrow. (via Liverpool World)"
Ahead of the home game against Norwich City, Everton supporters would be hoping that Digne and Gomes do not join the long list of players out due to injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman, Jordan Pickford, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph were unavailable.
Everton injury news
In the pre-game press conference, Rafael Benitez addressed the injury issues within the squad providing an update on Digne and others. Thankfully, the left back is available for the Norwich City clash. Pickford has also started training but others remain unavailable.
"Pickford is okay, has been training, Lucas is okay. The others are getting better but remain out. (via club’s official Youtube Channel)"
Digne being fit is a big boost because the Toffees only have one traditional left back in the ranks after Niels Nkounkou left on loan to Standard Liege. Pickford training also relieves some pressure as Asmir Begovic hasn’t been completely commanding and reliable in the past two games. Though, Benitez ruled Coleman, Gomes, Gbamin, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin out.
"No he’s [Richarlison] not available. The two strikers are not available so we have to make sure the people around are capable to score goals. We have done with different players. It’s a question of time for him [Rondon]. He has to improve his fitness. (via Liverpool ECHO reporter Adam Jones)"
Everton’s transfer deadline day signing Salomon Rondon has now made two appearances for the club but has evidently lacked match fitness. The former Newcastle boss who worked with the Venezuelan at Newcastle and Dalian Professional provided some updates on Rondon’s condition.
"He’s training really well. His commitment & passion is there. You can see he’s fighting in every game. When you have Covid, you stay home, train on your bike but it’s impossible to have match fitness after four months, but he will do well."
Everton will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Norwich who have lost all five games so far in the Premier League.