Daniel Feliciano

Thu 13 April 2023 14:00, UK

Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of the Premier League clash between Everton and Fulham this weekend with a hamstring injury, Sean Dyche has confirmed.

Nathan Patterson is in the manager’s thinking to replace the skipper although Dyche confirmed that his lack of match time isn’t ideal, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is training well but the boss was non-committal on his inclusion in the squad.

James Garner is fit and could replace the suspended Abdoulaye Doucoure in the midfield, while Tom Davies is also available for selection.

“He’s [Coleman] got a niggly hamstring which will need a bit of time to settle down I think,” he said. “He’s been in fine form so that’s an awkward one for us.

“He shouldn’t be too long, but he won’t be available for the weekend.”

Momentum

Prior to the 2-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend, Everton were four games unbeaten and moving away from the relegation zone.

Fulham on the other hand have lost their last four in a row and are coming into this game without their best player and biggest goal threat in Mitrovic.

Everton will still be without Abdoulaye Doucoure through suspension but this is a chance for someone else to step up in his absence to claim the shirt, while also being hopeful that the likes of Calvert-Lewin can come back into the side and get some minutes.

Our home form under Dyche has been excellent and if we can maintain that then it would be great for our battle against relegation.

But while a strong performance is important, the result is the most important thing and the need for three points from our home games is huge. The positive team news is helpful and now the players must go out on the Goodison Park pitch to perform.