Ellis Simms in line for Everton debut v Brentford amid ‘major’ Demarai Gray injury doubts
Demarai Gray is a “major injury doubt” as Everton prepare for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, according to the Guardian.
Gray, 25, hobbled off during the early stages of last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, replaced by Alex Iwobi in the 17th minute at the Etihad Stadium.
Initial reports [El Bobble] suggested the winger could be out of action for six weeks with an abductor injury, though recent ones have been more positive [The Bobble].
However, in the Guardian‘s Friday night report [27/11/21], it is claimed that Gray’s availability on Sunday is still a huge source of concern for the Blues.
Ellis Simms could be a beneficiary of the summer signing’s injury, with Rafa Benitez considering handing the 20-year-old his Everton debut this weekend.
Blues bow for Simms v Bees?
Simms has long been heralded as a future star at Goodison Park since joining as a teenager from Manchester City in 2017.
However, despite knocking in the goals for fun at youth level, Simms is yet to make his Blues bow.
He enjoyed his first taste of senior action last season during a productive loan spell at Blackpool, who he helped to win promotion after 10 goals in 23 League One games.
However, he suffered a serious injury towards the end of his Tangarines loan and missed pre-season under new Blues boss Benitez.
He worked his way into the Spaniard’s thinking, though, and was named on the bench for successive September fixtures against Aston Villa, QPR and Norwich City.
Simms was displaced for the next five games but he returned to the squad for last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City, and injuries should see him at least maintain his spot on the bench.
With Richarlison suspended and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray likely to be out injured, there is a big opportunity for Simms to feature at Brentford on Sunday and make his Everton debut.
In other Everton news, Jim White was left stunned this week by ‘Dangerous’ recent Blues developments.
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