Rafa Benitez delivers injury update on Everton duo
Rafa Benitez has clarified the decision behind taking Richarlison off during Everton 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.
In the second half, Benitez took the Brazilian off and brought Salomon Rondon in, a decision that provoked an angry reaction from the fans.
Richarlison looked visibly unhappy with the decision, but Benitez has confirmed that the forward has picked up a calf injury.
“It is the same case for Richarlison, who has a calf [problem] and at half-time we were thinking about making the substitution,” said Benitez to EventonTv.
“He was saying, ‘No, I will try!’ but after it was clear for us that he couldn’t.
“The reality is that it is a pity because we did not want to lose another striker, with Dominic still not available.”
Sensible
Benitez also revealed that Allan has also picked up a problem ahead of the game, and that’s why he didn’t risk him.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still not completely match-fit, and Benitez has done the right thing here by taking Richarlison off.
With some crucial games coming off, letting Richarlison aggravate his injury and further losing him for months would have been a catastrophe for the club.
However, that doesn’t hide the fact that Everton were poor throughout the game, and that such performances are not acceptable at any level.
The results have been horrible. Everton have lost four of their last five games, and they have also lost four away games in a row.
The fans deserve better. The Toffees will face Chelsea in their next Premier League game on Thursday, and losing Richarlison now would be a massive blow.
In other Everton news, Andros Townsend has heaped praise on one of his teammates.
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