Everton face their toughest test so far as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday. The Toffees are currently in the fifth position, level on points with Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion. Rafa Benitez has done a fantastic job with the squad that has suffered due to a number of injuries.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes were out last week against Norwich City. The Toffees have now played three consecutive games without their preferred striker duo as Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have not featured in the team since the Burnley game.
Gomes on the other hand, had to come off against QPR with a calf problem and missed Everton’s 2-0 win over the Canaries. Captain Coleman has also been out since the Burnley game which has seen Ben Godfrey deputize at right back.
Everton Injury update vs Manchester United
Ahead of the Manchester United clash, Rafa Benitez addressed the press conference and gave an update on the injured players and whether they will be available for the game. Despite DCL and Coleman returning to the pitch, taking part in light training, the Spanish boss ruled out the possibility of them being involved against the Red Devils.
"No, I saw in the press that people are talking about Seamus and Dominic but they are not ready yet. They are training on the pitch little by little but they are not ready for this game. (via club’s official Youtube Channel)"
Benitez also addressed Gomes’ and Richarlison’s fitness as well as addressing Richarlison’s future. The Brazilian admitted in the midweek in an interview that he doesn’t know what the future holds but he will continue to give his best for Everton.
"Exactly the same situation, they [Richarlison and Gomes] are getting better but are not ready.Yesterday I was having lunch with him [Richarlison] and he was happy. I was talking with his people & it was a very nice conversation. He wants to play and score goals for this team. Everything is positive."
Furthermore, Rafa Benitez addressed the situation of Jean-Philippe Gbamin. The Ivorian has had a torrid time since joining Everton, remaining sidelined for almost two years. Gbamin was also out for the last three games but it finally looks that he’s ready to be involved again.
"JP is training again so is fully fit, he’s ok. Some players are still not available, but Gbamin is good news because we needed bodies."
There is one more player who is a doubt for tomorrow. Benitez when asked about Alex Iwobi said that the Nigerian has a little problem and is doubtful for tomorrow. However, the former Valencia boss did praise him for showing improvement in training.
"I will say that he has a little problem, I don’t know if he will be available for tomorrow. I think the fans appreciate that he’s giving everything on the pitch, we are working with him specifically on movement. I think he’s improving, and we can still improve him."
With the quartet of Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Coleman and Gomes ruled out, the Toffees will look to Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray to make a difference against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Iwobi could also potentially join the injury list as he remains a doubt for tomorrow’s clash. Gbamin’s return boosts Everton midfield and gives Rafa an extra option to tinker with.
Will the injuries cost Everton at Old Trafford?