David Moyes shares Michael Keane update as Everton teammate set for indefinite spell out
David Moyes has shared an Everton team news update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Everton beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Tuesday night and therefore head into their weekend contest against Forest on a high.
Sean Dyche is facing Everton for the first time since being sacked at the start of the year, with Moyes coming in as his replacement.
Everton are considered the favourites to beat Forest, but it will be a very tough game at Hill Dickinson Stadium and Moyes will need as close to a fully-fit squad as possible.
Unfortunately, though, that will not be the case.
Michael Keane and Tim Iroegbunam among Everton absentees
Tim Iroegbunam will serve a one-match suspension against Nottingham Forest after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out.
Idrissa Gueye is also serving a suspension and Jarrad Branthwaite still does not have a return date from his injury.
Meanwhile, Moyes confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon that Michael Keane remains a fitness doubt.
Keane played through the pain barrier in Everton’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle United and then missed the win at Bournemouth.
Asked for an Everton team news update, Moyes told reporters: “I’m not sure yet if he’s going to be right.
“He’s got a bit of an injury, which he played with against Newcastle, and he just couldn’t quite make it. So I’m not sure yet.”
Moyes was also asked to provide on Seamus Coleman, who is nursing another injury problem.
“Seamus pulled his hamstring so he’ll be out for a little while again,” Moyes said. “We don’t know exactly the timescale, but it’s a hamstring problem that’ll keep him out.
“We’re short. We were short against Bournemouth and that’s the same now, but it happens to all teams, not just us.”
Moyes to be forced into changes vs Nottingham Forest
There is a strong chance that Keane does not pass fit for this game given this latest update from Moyes on the eve of the contest.
That could therefore see Jake O’Brien used in the heart of defence – where he is comfortable – alongside James Tarkowski.
Nathan Patterson could get a rare start at right-back, with Vitalii Mykolenko on the opposite side and Jordan Pickford between the sticks as ever.
With his hand forced by injuries and suspensions to the side, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall may be joined by James Garner in central midfield.
That would then see Iliman Ndiaye, Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Grealish provide support for Thierno Barry or Beto.
Even with those absentees listed, that is still a starting lineup that is strong enough to overcome Forest n home soil.
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