Everton face Tottenham this weekend with a significantly depleted squad as a growing injury crisis leaves them with just 14 senior players fit to play.
according to The Independentthe Toffees are struggling with a number of absences that could seriously affect their performance against the north London club.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has confirmed stand-in captain James Tarkowski is the latest injury doubt, while fellow defender Ashley Young is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton.
Also, Jarrad Branthwaite is still not fit, with the likes of Seamus Coleman, James Garner, Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermiti also ruled out.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dyche outlined the challenges facing his team (quotes via The Independent):
“We’re stretched unfortunately. We’re about 14 recognized first-team players a minute, so that’s not perfect, but the challenge is in front of us as always.
“We’ve lost a few bodies in pre-season which has been unfortunate, they’re looking for real fitness and we’ve got to get them fit and we’ve lost more who might not be available for this weekend.”
“Jarrad Branthwaite is still a bit away. He’s not close at the moment. Some of the lads like Seamus Coleman and James Garner are getting a bit closer and have just been training with the group again.
“James Tarkowski has a ‘maybe’ situation, so we’ll have to look at that in the next game. Obviously, we know the right-back situation with Ashley Young now also suspended.”
Everton’s misery is a boost for Tottenham
This injury crisis at Everton is a significant boost for Tottenham, who are looking to bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Leicester City last weekend.
Spurs are expected to be without Rodrigo Bentancur, who is in concussion protocols after suffering a head injury against the Foxes.
However, manager Ange Postecoglou has options, with Yves Bissouma available after serving a one-match ban and new signing Archie Gray potentially set for his Premier League debut.
As Tottenham aim to secure three points against the struggling Merseyside club, Everton’s depleted squad could make the challenge even more difficult for Sean Dyche and his men.
