Everton captain Seamus Coleman set to play v Nottingham Forest despite knee issue
Everton believe Seamus Coleman “will be fine” to play against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League despite nursing a knee injury, according to Joe Thomas.
The Toffees travel to the City Ground on Sunday (5 March) in a crunch clash against their relegation rivals, with Sean Dyche looking to get back to winning ways after consecutive defeats to Aston Villa and Arsenal.
Liverpool Echo journalist Thomas shared via his Twitter account (3 March) that Coleman was taken off in the latter stages of the 4-0 loss to the Gunners due to a “slight knee issue” but that he should be available to play in the relegation showdown.
He wrote: “Seamus Coleman is currently playing with a slight knee issue but Everton believe he will be fine for Nottingham Forest.
“One of the reasons he was among the players brought off in the second half against Arsenal as Sean Dyche sought to protect him.”
Leader
Coleman is simply integral to this Everton side both on and off the pitch and will have a huge part to play in the relegation fight that awaits.
Despite not possessing the pace or the stamina that he once did in a Toffees shirt, he is one of few leaders who can take on board Dyche’s messages and relay them to the team on the pitch. The Everton captain is a leader on the pitch, and the other ten players would likely follow into battle no matter the odds of success.
His match-winning goal against Leeds in front of the Goodison Park faithful was a justified reward for all of his efforts this season. He bleeds for the Everton cause, and that has clearly not gone unnoticed by Dyche.
The English manager will know he needs every single player singing from the same hymn sheet if they are to stave off relegation this season, and Coleman is the perfect captain to help unify the club in these troubling times.