Everton boss Sean Dyche has shared the latest injury news ahead of the Toffees’ Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Blues are looking to bounce back from their miserable 6-0 hammering against Chelsea last time out. Sunday’s fixture is huge, considering both sides’ league positions.
Forest sit just one point and one place below Everton. A win for either side would feel massive.
To compound their trip to Stamford Bridge, Everton were also hit with injury upon their return to the North West.
Dyche has since shared the latest on the current state of his first-team squad.
Sean Dyche shares latest on Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gana Gueye ahead of Nottingham Forest
Speaking in his pre-match press conference at Finch Farm, Dyche shared the latest on Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Branthwaite was forced off in the second half against Chelsea, and Calvert-Lewin missed the trip to West London altogether.
“Both trained light today and came through it. We hope there’s no reaction to that,” he said.
Dyche also revealed that he hopes to have Idrissa Gana Gueye back amongst his squad. The £80,000-a-week midfielder hasn’t featured since an 82-minute outing against Newcastle United at the start of April.
“He [Idrissa] should be okay. Similar low-level training today,” Dyche added.
The Everton boss also provided an unfortunate update on Nathan Patterson, with the defender now set to miss the rest of the season.
He added: “Patto’s out for the season. He will need surgery. Very unfortunate injury, we’re disappointed in that one for him as much as us as well.”
Everton changes could be in the offing against Nottingham Forest
Branthwaite’s fitness is the primary concern. The 21-year-old has been a vital part of Everton’s good defensive record this season and will be sorely missed.
If the Cumbrian doesn’t make Sunday’s clash, Michael Keane could be primed to make his first Premier League start of 2024 alongside James Tarkowski. If Gueye is fit, seeing him return wouldn’t be a surprise.
Amadou Onana and James Garner were extremely disappointing during the first half on Monday. Either player would be extremely fortunate to retain their starting berth.
After the shambles in West London, changes could be on the cards against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
