David Moyes makes Michael Keane decision in Everton XI v Chelsea
David Moyes has named his replacement for James Tarkowski in his Everton team to take on Chelsea.
Moyes was dealt a huge blow recently as a devastating Tarkowski injury update emerged.
As a result, the 62-year-old has been unable to call on the centre-back in his Everton team to take on Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (26 April).
Despite their inconsistent form as of late, Chelsea are clear favourites to beat Everton in West London, and the absence of Tarkowski is only likely to boost the home side’s chances, with Moyes naming his replacement.
Keane misses out for Everton against Chelsea
With five Premier League games still to play, the Toffees are safe from relegation. As a result, Moyes is likely already thinking ahead to the summer and is expected to hold talks with the Friedkin Group about Everton’s transfer plans.
However, the Scottish tactician will still be keen to finish this season on a high and build some momentum ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
| Premier League 2024/25 | Position | Points |
| Everton | 13th | 38 |
| Manchester United | 14th | 38 |
| Wolves | 15th | 38 |
| Tottenham | 16th | 37 |
| West Ham | 17th | 36 |
| Ipswich Town | 18th | 21 |
Therefore, Moyes will be targeting three points against Chelsea, although that task has been made all the more difficult by the absence of Tarkowski.
Unable to call on the 32-year-old, Moyes has brought in Nathan Patterson at right-back, with Jake O’Brien filling in for Tarkowski in the middle. Meanwhile, Beto replaces Armando Broja in the only other change from the 2-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday (19 April).
Keane is surely finished at Everton
Keane is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave Everton.
And Moyes’ decision not to bring the centre-back in for Tarkowski surely confirms that Keane won’t be offered a new deal and will be moving on this summer.