Sean Dyche may be forced into rethink for Everton v Manchester United as Amadou Onana news emerges
Sean Dyche may be forced to rethink his Everton team selection for his side’s return to action against Manchester United next week.
That is due to Belgium confirming on their official Twitter page on Friday (17 November) that Amadou Onana has left their camp with a calf injury.
Onana was replaced at half-time of the Toffees’ 3-2 win at Crystal Palace last weekend as a result of the injury, which did not appear too severe.
The 22-year-old still linked up with his country, but he was not part of the squad for the 1-0 victory over Serbia on Wednesday (15 November).
And Onana will not get the chance to add to his nine caps when Belgium face Azerbaijan in their final Euro 2024 qualifying tie this weekend.
While there are still nine days to go until Everton face United at Goodison Park, Onana must surely be considered an injury doubt for that game.
That would be a huge blow for Dyche, as the midfielder has started 11 of Everton’s 12 Premier League games this season.
Onana has played a huge part in the Toffees’ upturn in form in recent weeks, even netting in the 3-0 win over Burnley in the EFL Cup last 16.
If he is fit, it seems certain he will start against the Red Devils. If not, though, Dyche will likely bring in Idrissa Gueye alongside James Garner.
That is hardly the worst like-for-like change, with Gueye impressing in the second half against Palace, but Onana’s absence will be felt.
The Belgian averages more passes per game (40.7) than any Everton player, while his 2.6 aerials won per game is the most of any midfielder [WhoScored].
Dyche will just be hoping that Onana fully rests up over the coming days in time to return to training ahead of the United game.
In other Everton news, comments made by a player out on loan this week justify a decision made by Dyche.