David Moyes
Everton manager David Moyes has provided crucial fitness updates on several key players ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. The Toffees are facing a challenging period with injuries affecting their squad depth, particularly in defense and attack.
David Moyes said: “Jarrad’s getting closer. He’s not quite there yet. Hopefully, we get him back because he’s a huge player for us. He’s got a big value and we’ve got lots of hopes for him. So, we’re looking forward to getting him back. I’ve no idea at the moment but I think it will be a few weeks before we’re at that stage.”
Jarrad Branthwaite, considered Everton’s most valuable player, remains sidelined as he continues his recovery. Despite reports of progress in his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, Moyes confirmed that Branthwaite is still “a few weeks” away from a return to the first team. The young defender’s absence has been felt, and his return is eagerly anticipated by the club.
Moyes said: “I’m concerned about Iliman Ndiaye, he’s got a knock. So, we’ll need to see, we’re not sure how he’ll be for tomorrow.”
Iliman Ndiaye, who has been in fine form, scoring in his last two Premier League appearances, is now a doubt for the Aston Villa game due to a knock. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Everton’s attacking options against Unai Emery’s side.
Moyes said: “Myko’s around, we’ll have to see if he makes it or not. Hopefully, he might be ok. He’d felt something in the game against Wolves and he made it known but he felt that he was fine to go to Ukraine and go with them. But once he got there, he felt he wasn’t maybe quite right and he came away from it.”
Vitalii Mykolenko’s fitness is also uncertain. The left-back played against Mansfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers but had to withdraw from international duty with Ukraine due to fitness concerns. Moyes remains hopeful about Mykolenko’s availability but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Moyes said: “They’re both back in training. Patto’s not had any football yet, so I wouldn’t put him down yet as match-ready, but he’s been back now for the past week or so. Young Adam got a game at Doncaster. We’re just about getting them back in amongst it. They’re back fit but are they match-ready to play? I’m not 100% sure.”
The manager also provided updates on full-backs Nathan Patterson and Adam Aznou. Both players have returned to training, with Aznou gaining some match fitness in a game at Doncaster. However, Moyes expressed caution regarding their readiness for competitive action, emphasizing the need for further assessment before they can be considered match-ready.
Everton’s injury concerns present a challenging scenario for Moyes as he prepares his squad for the clash against Aston Villa. The team will need to adapt and find solutions to cope with the potential absences of key players.
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