Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Fri 10 April 2026 12:10, UK

Thierno Barry wasn’t visible in an Everton squad photo that was published on the club’s social media this week, leading some to believe he has been given extra time off.

The striker has had a rough time for the Blues recently, and is under the microscope perhaps more than any other player.

Beto is in goal-scoring form after his magnificent performance against Chelsea last time out in the Premier League, and looks to be given the nod once more versus Brentford this Saturday.

David Moyes has had to pick between the two strikers all season, but recent off-field controversy has put Beto back as a favourite to start.

Barry wasn’t seen in Everton’s squad photo, and it comes just days after evidence of his vacation during the international break.

Why Thierno Barry absence would be no surprise as photo revealed

Barry received backlash after the away game against Arsenal, after he posted footage of his friends in the Everton end, who were seen in a physical altercation with Blues fans.

Supporters were unhappy that the 23-year-old revealed the identities of those who were involved, given that no background on the story or how the altercation started was known.

The Frenchman was seen posting photos of himself in Morocco recently, which has also led fans to believe that he may have been given the week off, given his potential absence at Finch Farm.

As seen on X, Everton’s squad photo celebrating Jordan Pickford’s 100th clean sheet for the Toffees has no visible trace of Barry.

There is a player behind Tom King, who some have suggested could be Barry, but there have been no other training pictures that are fully conclusive of his inclusion at Finch Farm.

Given everything that has happened with the forward recently, it would be no surprise if we were to learn that Moyes has given him some extra time off to clear his headspace.

But right now, it’s all speculation, and it might be cleared up by the Everton boss soon.

The one scenario where Barry could be loaned out this summer

Barry was always a development signing, but the club saw the striker as someone who could grow alongside the Toffees at the same time.

They know that it will take time for him to reach his full potential at Hill Dickinson, and given his patches of form, hope has been offered in bursts.

If Everton were unable to qualify for Europe, Moyes and the Friedkin Group could look to loan Barry out, keeping Beto for another season, while bringing in a new number nine.

This would allow Barry to get the game time he needs, while Beto would probably play his final season in Blue with the support of an additional centre-forward.

However, that’s only if Moyes’ side fail to reach a European competition, as qualification will make Barry’s importance greater with a need for squad rotation.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.