Hayden Hackney, another new signing? Potential Everton starters vs Crystal Palace after latest injury blow

Everton have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their Premier League opener with Crystal Palace.

They will be without James Garner and Christian Norgaard for the Hill Dickinson Stadium clash.

David Moyes will be looking for a positive start to the season on 22 August, but his task has now been made harder.

Garner was one of the best midfielders in the division last season, while Norgaard brings vital experience to the squad.

The manager will now have to find a solution, with two probable starters ruled out.

Goodison News looks at who could be called upon to start the opening game in the engine room.

Who will start vs Crystal Palace after Everton injuries revealed?

Hayden Hackney could be primed to start against the Eagles, due to the injury issues reported by The Times' Paul Joyce on Monday.

Michael Carrick, the Manchester United manager, worked with the 23-year-old at Middlesbrough and rated him very highly.

Speaking in 2024, he said: "He’s been fabulous and keeps adding to his game all the time."

Merlin Rohl is another permanent addition who could be given the nod, but he may be relied on at right-back where has featured prominently in pre-season.

Tim Iroegbunam has been linked with an exit, and he has a minor injury so is unlikely to feature anyway.

Harrison Armstrong is a contender for a place in the side, but Moyes may go with the more experienced options, given his very young age.

Why Everton may have unorthodox solution

Moyes may have a wildcard solution for the second deeper midfield place in the team.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is usually a number 10, but he can play as an eight, so that may make sense.

He would add extra security with the ball at his feet, something that they may struggle with, if a different player is in the position.

If that is what he opts to go for, then Armstrong or Carlos Alcaraz could play in the advanced role against Pierre Sage's side.

It remains to be seen what Moyes chooses to do, but that may be the option that gives the best chance of victory and to start their campaign off in the best possible way.