Everton hit by Covid-19 as visitors are shut out from Finch Farm
Everton have been affected by Covid-19 in recent days, with some players and staff testing positive, according to El Bobble.
The reliable Toffees insider – followed on Twitter by The Times journalist Paul Joyce – posted the update on their account late on Monday (20 December) evening in what could be a potential blow.
The Premier League were forced to postpone a lot of games last weekend, and it remains to be seen if the latest update could affect the club’s Boxing Day trip to Burnley.
El Bobble said: “Everton are another club to be suffering with Covid-19 issues.
“A couple of players and staff have tested positive or had inconclusive results over the past few days.
“Finch Farm is currently closed for visitors. However, the players continue to train as usual.”
Blow
The Goodison Park outfit had their game against Leicester City on Sunday (19 December) postponed due to the virus, and should more players from their side or Burnley contract it, their clash this weekend could be rescheduled.
For a team that have struggled of recent, having two games put forward may not be suitable for them.
However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise given their injury woes.
With the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andros Townsend, Seamus Coleman, Salomon Rondon, Richarlison, Demarai Gray and Yerry Mina carrying knocks, having games postponed could do their recoveries a lot of good.
Most of them are just a few weeks away from returning to full fitness, and should the last game of 2021 – against Newcastle United on 30 December at Goodison Park- go ahead as planned, they could be back.
Everton have won one and drawn one of their last three games, and Rafa Benitez will be hoping they can maintain that momentum when action resumes.
They will need to pick up points in order not to get drawn into a relegation battle, and they cannot afford to lose key players to the virus.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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