Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available
SEAN DYCHE has revealed Everton could be without several key players for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City.
The Toffees are yet to earn a point in the Premier League this season having lost each of their opening four games.
They go into this weekend rock bottom of the table with a goal difference of minus nine.
And things could go from bad to worse when they face Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Dyche was forced to admit that just three members of his preferred starting line-up are fit ahead of Saturday’s match.
The remaining eight players are either certain to miss the clash, or they are doubtful.
Everton boss Dyche explained: “I’ve brought a list just to make sure I don’t forget anyone!
“Jarrad [Branthwaite] is making progress and hopefully will be able to get involved with the game this weekend. It’s looking like he will do with the Under-21s.
“James Tarkowski, we’re hopeful. He trained today and there’s no reaction.
“Nathan Patterson, same as Jarrad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks okay today. He was back in on the grass so hopefully his illness is gone.
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“Jimmy Garner is still not in with illness. Idrissa [Gueye] has unfortunately had a family bereavement so he won’t be here.
“Myko [Vitaliy Mykolenko] is through the illness, he was in today so we’re hopeful that’s him done.
“Seamus [Coleman] is still injured, unfortunately it’s going to be longer than we hoped, so that’s not going to be a quick situation, we’re not sure of the timescales yet.
“Youssef [Chermiti] is making good progress but obviously quite a long-term injury. Armando [Broja] is making progress, but also obviously a longer term injury.
“And Keano [Michael Keane] is getting checked out today, just having a precautionary scan to make sure he’s ok.”
Everton were hit with another huge blow earlier this week when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Southampton.
Dyche’s side suffered a 6-5 defeat on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
Everton's injury/illness concerns
Injury:
- Jarrad Branthwaite
- Seamus Coleman
- Youssef Chermiti
- Armando Broja
- Michael Keane
- Nathan Patterson
Illness:
- Jimmy Garner
- Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Bereavement:
- Idrissa Gueye