Injury expert: Ruben Dias and Julian Alvarez ruled out of Manchester City Premier League clash v Everton
Ruben Dias and Julian Alvarez have both been ruled out of Manchester City’s clash with Everton at The Etihad on 31 December, according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery.
The Daily Mail revealed (23 December) that Dias suffered a hamstring injury at the World Cup and will be out of action for a month.
Dinnery has since suggested on his Premier Injuries website that Alvarez is not expected back with the Premier League champions until 5 January.
Boost
This a huge boost for Frank Lampard as his side travel to The Etihad in what is one of the toughest tests in World football and it will be intriguing to see how the Everton boss sets his side up. Against Tottenham, Lampard utilised a three-at-the-back system which did cause their hosts problems at times.
He could well look to do something similar against the Premier League leaders and switch back to a more conservative system to prevent Pep Guardiola’s side from having too many opportunities. Furthermore, with Erling Haaland on the pitch, the Toffees cannot allow the frontman to have a sniff of goal.
Lampard himself has his own injury problems, with Yerry Mina being forced off in the loss to Wolves and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also a doubt for the trip to the Etihad. It’s hard to see how the Toffees find a win against City, but the Everton boss desperately needs it to relieve the extreme pressure which is beginning to mount on his shoulders.
January promises to be make or break when it comes to Lampard’s future at the club.