Confirmed – Ancelotti reveals first team injury blow ahead of Everton clash v Chelsea
Everton defender Seamus Coleman will miss his side’s next two matches, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The 31-year-old sustained a thigh complaint during first half of the Toffees’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
And his boss has now confirmed that he will be sidelined for the Blues’ clash with Chelsea this weekend, as well as the Merseyside derby on March 16th.
As per the Liverpool Echo, Ancelotti told a press conference on Friday: “Seamus Coleman is not available, he had a muscle problem against Manchester United. He will be out at least for two games, and then we will see.”
The boss also provided updates on injured striker Cenk Tosun and full-back Lucas Digne.
He added: “We have Cenk Tosun who came back from Crystal Palace who will have surgery next week, but the others are in good condition. Lucas Digne is good.”
How much of a blow will this be for Everton?
It’s not good news, that much is certain.
Coleman has been a regular so far this season, registering 18 appearances in the Premier League, and impressing for the most part.
As per Wyscout, he has averaged a pass completion rate just shy of 80%, as well as 65.5% of his defensive duels.
The only silver lining for the Toffees is that they do have Djibril Sidibe to call upon in his absence.
The loanee has looked equally impressive this term, and has actually shaded Coleman with regards to his pass completion rate, while his defensive duel success ratio is just 1.6% worse, as per Wyscout.
In short, he is more than capable of deputising, and as much as it will be a blow to not have Coleman available, Ancelotti has nothing to worry about.
In other Everton news, Report – Toffees plot swoop for £51m Brazilian defender.