Everton vs Crystal Palace: Seven could miss out amid injury and suspension latest
Everton are looking to upset Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Everton could end Palace’s 19-match unbeaten run when the sides face off at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 5 October.
Everton boss David Moyes has a dismal record against the Eagles, and he will be looking to correct that in the contest.
However, both the Scotsman and Oliver Glasner will have several players that will not be available for selection.
Jarrad Branthwaite among seven who could miss Everton vs Crystal Palace
Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite, as Moyes confirmed that the 23-year-old and Merlin Rohl will miss the contest.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “Both the same, no change, neither of them fit for the game, but they are making progress.
“With a bit of luck, we will start to get them on the grass, not gone them on the grass yet, training, so that is where we are at.”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is the other Everton star that will not feature, as he is banned after picking up five yellow cards already.
Meanwhile, for the visitors, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha and Cheick Doucoure are ruled out, and Will Hughes picked up an issue in the win over Dynamo Kiev on 2 October.
Speaking after that Europa Conference League clash, Glasner said: “He took a knock to his quad, had a dead leg and was limping. There’s a lot for the medical department to do ahead of Everton.
“I hope he will he available for Everton.”
David Moyes needs Branthwaite back soon
Branthwaite is a key player for Moyes’ side at the back, and while Michael Keane has done a solid job, he does not have the same attributes.
- Branthwaite got injured in the pre-season loss to Roma in August
- He is yet to feature for the Blues this season, after picking up that issue
- He is a key part of Moyes’ team, and his absence has been felt despite Keane stepping in
The young defender has already emerged as a leader for the Blues, and they are missing his passing abilites from the back, as well as his presence and partnership with James Tarkowski.
The sooner that he is back, the better for the Toffees, as he is one of their best players, and he needs to be playing if he is to make the World Cup squad.
If he does not start playing soon, he will have little chance of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in the United States next summer.
That will be a huge disappointment for the player on a personal level and for Moyes’ side, as a player representing his country is a sign that something is going right.
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