‘Little problems’ – Ancelotti shares update on missing Everton duo v Palace
Allan and Alex Iwobi missed Monday night’s clash between Everton and Crystal Palace with ‘little problems’ according to Carlo Ancelotti.
Iwobi and Allan have been regular starters of late so there was some surprise that both players were omitted from Monday’s squad.
Blues fans were rightly concerned as the last thing we need at the moment is another injury crisis in the midfield with Abdoulaye Doucoure out for the season.
The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has reported that both players are only suffering with ‘little problems’ and the injuries are nothing serious.
This is great news because we face a tricky run-in and to lose Allan would be an especially big blow.
We’re relying on Allan to be our key man in the heart of the midfield with Doucoure out for an extended period and without Allan our Champions League hopes look less realistic.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Gyfli Sigurdsson were on the bench for us and Sigurdsson was introduced in the first half as Andre Gomes picked up a knock.
This leaves the Blues threadbare in the midfield with both Gomes, Allan and Doucoure sidelined.
Hopefully we don’t have to rely on Gbamin over the next few weeks as he hasn’t played for almost two years and we’re hoping Allan can return to the starting 11 next week.
Iwobi is less of a miss now that James Rodriguez is back but you can never guarantee the Colombian’s fitness.
We’ve already had one injury crisis this season and it seems as though we’re on the verge of another one as we face a crucial run of games.
We’re hoping Gomes is ok to play next week as Allan returns in double-quick time.
In other Everton news, scouts have been blown away by this international striker who’s playing in England.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.