Everton early team news v Nottingham Forest: Dyche names ‘touch-and-go’ trio
Sean Dyche has confirmed that three Everton stars are doubtful for the clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Blues host Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on 29 December on the back of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Boxing Day (26 December).
The Toffees could be without Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Seamus Coleman for the contest at Goodison Park.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference [27 December], Dyche gave an update on the fitness of the trio, saying: “We will have to wait and see. It is still a bit of a touch-and-go scenario with these games coming thick and fast so it is a maybe at the moment whether Dwight makes it.
“We have just got to make sure on Illi [Ndiaye]. I took him off in the last game just for a minor tightness in his calf, we will wait to see how that settles, and Shay [Seamus Coleman] for a similar precaution, so hopefully that has settled as well.”
Potentially big losses for Everton
All three players will be a huge loss to Dyche if they do make the clash with third-place Forest.
McNeil has been the Blues most dangerous attacking playing this season, scoring three goals and notching three assists in the Premier League.
However, he has not featured since the 4-0 win against Wolves on 4 December, where he played a huge part in two Toffees goals despite not being credited with the assists.
Coleman made just his second start in seven months in the draw with Pep Guardiola’s side and was fantastic at both ends of the pitch as he rolled back the years.
Ndiaye scored the equaliser and was a nuisance against the Citizens in one of his best games for the Blues in his time with the club.
If the three are ruled out of the contest, it will make the Toffees’ job even harder against a very good Forest team that has shocked the league so far.
In other Everton news, an ‘erratic’ Jordan Pickford moment was discussed on MOTD after the Manchester City draw.
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