David Moyes
Everton manager David Moyes is grappling with a defensive conundrum ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest. The Toffees will be without club captain Seamus Coleman, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Michael Keane is also doubtful for the match, leaving Moyes with limited options at right-back.
David Moyes said: “Seamus pulled his hamstring, so Seamus is going to be out for a little while. I don’t know exactly the timescale for it. We are short. We were very short going to Bournemouth and the same again but it happens to other teams, not just us.”
The absence of Coleman and the potential unavailability of Keane have prompted Moyes to consider alternative defensive arrangements. James Garner, who filled in at right-back during the midweek fixture, may continue in that role. Meanwhile, Jake O’Brien, who moved to his natural centre-back position alongside James Tarkowski, is likely to remain in the heart of the defense if Keane is unable to recover.
Moyes added: “He played really well at Fulham and Newcastle at the back end of last season at centre-back when both Jarrad and Tarky were out. He also had a couple of games at centre-back in the summer during pre-season. We thought he done a really good job as a right-back last season, maybe not as much this season, that’s for sure, but he is a centre-back playing out of position. But if he doesn’t play right-back he’s got to move out Tarky, Jarrad and Keano, and they have done really well. But he played really well the other night. He’s a centre-back, not a right-back, we’re well aware of that, but while we’re short of right-backs, he might be the best choice we’ve got.”
In the recent match against Bournemouth, Tim Iroegbunam impressed after being substituted at half-time against Newcastle. Moyes expressed satisfaction with Iroegbunam’s performance, highlighting his adaptability and potential.
Moyes commented on Iroegbunam: “I’m pleased for Tim. He played really well and got better as the game wore on and was really important. He’s someone who we like, we think there’s a player in there, and the more games he gets, the more he’ll keep adapting and getting used to it. He managed himself very well through the game (after the booking) and helped us get a good victory.”
The injury to Coleman and the uncertainty surrounding Keane’s fitness pose significant challenges for Moyes as he seeks to solidify Everton’s defense. The manager’s confidence in O’Brien and Iroegbunam’s recent form could be crucial as the team aims to secure a positive result against Nottingham Forest.
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