Everton manager David Moyes has delivered a significant injury update, confirming he could be without eight first-team players for this weekend's Premier League fixture away at Aston Villa.
Moyes Confirms No New Returns for Villa Trip
Speaking ahead of the match at Villa Park, the Toffees' boss admitted he does not anticipate any of his sidelined stars being ready for selection. This news comes as a blow for Everton, who travel to the Midlands on the back of a disappointing run of form, having failed to win any of their last three home matches and suffering an FA Cup exit on penalties to Sunderland.
"Probably not, no," Moyes stated when asked if any players would return. "There’s one or two back on the grass, but I don’t think they will be available for this weekend."
Full List of Everton Absentees Revealed
The list of unavailable players is extensive and impacts multiple areas of the pitch. In defence, Michael Keane is suspended following his red card for violent conduct against Wolves, while Jarrad Branthwaite and club captain Seamus Coleman, despite returning to light training, are not yet match-fit.
The midfield has been hit particularly hard. Former Villa player Tim Iroegbunam remains injured, and he is joined on the treatment table by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz. Furthermore, the Senegalese duo of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Villa Boost as Grealish Returns
In contrast to Everton's woes, Aston Villa are set to receive a timely boost with the return of Jack Grealish, who missed the Sunderland cup tie. Manager Unai Emery is also hopeful that goalkeeper Emi Martínez will reclaim his starting spot.
However, Villa have their own injury concerns, with Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, and Ross Barkley all ruled out. Forward Evann Guessand has returned to training after Ivory Coast's AFCON exit.
Despite their poor home form, Everton's away record offers a glimmer of hope; they have won three of their last five Premier League away games, keeping four clean sheets in that period. They will need that resilient defensive form to stand firm against a Villa side looking to capitalise on their opponent's depleted squad.
