|
Post by Everton News. on Aug 24, 2023 8:33:11 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Aug 24, 2023 13:48:41 GMT
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alex Iwobi have been ruled out of Everton's clash with Wolves at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Blues host Gary O'Neil's men with both sides looking to kick-start their respective 2023/24 Premier League campaigns with a first win (3pm BST kick-off).
Everton manager Sean Dyche will be without Calvert-Lewin, who is set to see a specialist on Friday once swelling has subsided after suffering a facial injury in the defeat to Aston Villa last time out.
Iwobi picked up a hamstring injury during the same game, with the Nigeria international likely to be sidelined for “a few weeks”, according to Dyche.
Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Dobbin, who both impressed off the bench at Villa Park, are “in contention” for a place in the starting line-up for the visit of Wolves, as well as defenders Ben Godfrey and Jarrad Branthwaite, who is closing in on full fitness after suffering a minor problem towards the end of pre-season.
Summer signing Jack Harrison is back out on the grass in individual training and “feeling better in himself”.
Dwight McNeil (ankle), Seamus Coleman (knee) and Dele remain unavailable.
Everton FC
|
|
|
Post by Avinalaff on Aug 24, 2023 17:03:27 GMT
I'd say judging from Sean's answer that Branthwaite probably isn't likely to be starting.
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Aug 25, 2023 8:32:02 GMT
DYCHE'S HONEST APPROACH TO PREPARATION
Sean Dyche says he will continue to have "honest" conversations with his players and has called upon his side to show a reaction from last weekend's disappointing defeat to Aston Villa when Wolves visit Goodison Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off BST).
The Blues and Wolves will both be aiming to kick-start their Premier League campaigns after enduring frustration in the opening two games of the new term.
Everton produced contrasting performances in those matches, with the Blues putting in a dominant display against Fulham, but, in the words of Dyche, performing way below the standard expected at Villa Park.
They will aim to bounce back this weekend and, speaking in Thursday's press conference held at Finch Farm previewing the game, Dyche said the onus is now on the group to show a reaction.
"Footballers aren't as thick as people think, especially about their profession," said Dyche. "It doesn't take a lot for me to point out what was wrong [at Villa], they know.
"So, therefore, it's about talking to them about it more than anything. I wasn't screaming and shouting at them. They come off the pitch and know what has gone wrong, what is shouting going to prove?
"They know they weren't collectively up for it, so we spoke more about that, the bigger picture of it. It was a conversation with some analysis and a repointing in the right direction.
"Football gives you a jolt now and again. If you look, the first few games of a season often bring odd results, it's not brand new to me, but you have to react to that."
On the back of Sunday's defeat, Dyche hasn’t ruled out changes to his starting line-up this weekend, with several players who have performed well over the summer putting themselves in the boss' thought process.
Jarrad Branthwaite played two lots of 45 minutes against Stoke and Sporting CP during the summer but has yet to feature for the Blues in their new Premier League campaign.
It is a similar story for Ben Godfrey, while attackers Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Dobbin have impressed in cameos coming off the bench.
"Ben [Godfrey] is there as well, training diligently,” explained Dyche. “Jarrod is new to myself, it is a shame he has missed a few weeks in pre-season but he is getting that sharpness now. He had a full 90 last week which will do him good. He's in contention. Everyone is in contention here, that is how you want it and how it should be.
“Dobbo [Dobbin] has come through in pre-season and certainly put himself in contention. Arnie (Danjuma) is looking fitter and sharper, he's certainly in contention. So, you want that competitive edge to the team and the group.”
Everton FC
|
|
|
Post by evertonfan1968 on Aug 25, 2023 19:42:52 GMT
I'd say judging from Sean's answer that Branthwaite probably isn't likely to be starting. He deflected attention away from him but how is a kid that age effected by a few lost weeks when he's played in a tournament? His comment about Harry Kane didn't go down with the fans.
|
|