David Moyes deserves credit as Everton rank second in splendid Premier League stat
Everton have been fairly fortunate this season, with the Toffees only suffering seven injuries to date.
This is based on a report from The Athletic on 20 November, with only Wolves having fewer injuries this season at six.
While Everton have missed players such as Jarrad Branthwaite this campaign, with the defender yet to make a competitive appearance this season, Moyes has managed to keep the vast majority of his squad fit.
Now, the Scotsman surely deserves credit for this achievement, with his constant rotation of his starting XI likely a factor.
David Moyes has only named an unchanged lineup once this season
One potential criticism of Moyes this season has been his constant tinkering with the starting XI which has prevented the Toffees from building upon any momentum.
The report goes on to say that Everton have only named an unchanged lineup once this season in the Premier League, with the Scotsman consistently making two or even three changes a match.
Yet, this could have been a genuis move from the Scotsman to allow the players more rest.
The Toffees cannot afford injuries, with Everton particularly weak in depth in areas such as right-back.
Therefore, the constant resting of some players has likely led to fewer injuries, which Moyes deserves praise for.
When will Jarrad Branthwaite return from injury for Everton?
While injuries have been scarce, the loss of Branthwaite this season has been a huge blow.
The centre-back is easily one of the Toffees’ best players, and his return could help Everton shoot up the table.
Unfortunately, it is expected that Branthwaite will be out at least until January at Everton, as he continues to recover from his injury.
- Branthwaite picked up an injury for Everton in pre-season
- The centre-back has been out ever since
- As a result, Michael Keane has come into the starting XI
From here, it remains to be seen if the centre-back is able to return to his previous form quickly after spending so long out on the sidelines.
In comparison, Everton’s only other current injured star, Nathan Patterson, could return this month.
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