With Everton back in Premier League action again tomorrow, intrigue has spiked regarding the fitness of a few key individuals.
After all, despite Sean Dyche guiding his side to a hard-fought win on Sunday, he did suffer a few casualties both in the build-up and during the clash.
Fortunately, given this is effectively a free hit for the Toffees, having established a five-point lead ahead of 18th-placed Luton Town, there is no outstanding obligation to rush these players back.
However, that’s not to suggest that they will not be missed, with two key areas set to be left somewhat vacant against a side in red-hot form.
Which Everton players are injured vs Liverpool?
Speaking ahead of the match in his pre-match press conference, Dyche touched on everything, from his admiration for Jurgen Klopp to what he keeps telling his players as they slowly return to form.
However, the most important information he offered came when asked about the team news, with the striking situation top of his list.
With Beto having been carried off on a stretcher against Nottingham Forest, his absence was expected: ‘He [Beto] definitely won’t feature these next couple of games for the protocols and rightly so. Good news so far, he’s had all the checks needed.’
Meanwhile, there was hope that Seamus Coleman might have made it back in time, but alas, he also seems set for a spell on the sidelines: ‘Oh yeah it’s a fair one. He won’t make the game. He’s recovering, he’s back on the grass, but he won’t make it for tomorrow.’
Who could Sean Dyche replace Beto and Seamus Coleman with?
Well, given we have something of a fitness update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin too, there is still a chance that he might feature.
However, if Dyche is seeking to preserve his main marksman for future games where he will feel more confident of claiming a result, then perhaps it is the time to hand Youssef Chermiti his first Premier League start of the season.
The Portuguese teenager, bought in the summer, was instantly chalked down as one for the future.
But this could be his chance to come of age in the English top flight, against one of the division’s most formidable backlines.
A right-back, however, Coleman actually did not feature against Forest either.
And whilst Ashley Young deputised well, he was fortunate not to have conceded a single spot kick from the three contentious moments outlined in the aftermath.
So, perhaps Ben Godfrey might mark the most intelligent personnel shift from Dyche, to match the pace and trickery of Luis Diaz with the defender’s pure athleticism.
