12 Players May Be Unavailable for Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby Against Everton, Manager Provides Update

Everton vs Liverpool – Merseyside Derby

We’re gearing up for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, where Everton welcomes Liverpool for what promises to be another thrilling clash. With a total of 119 meetings between these two sides, the record stands at 42 wins each, meaning bragging rights are up for grabs once again.

This match, initially set for December, was delayed by Storm Darragh. Since then, much has changed, especially in the managerial hot seat at Everton. After Sean Dyche’s departure last month, David Moyes has made his return to the club, and his influence has been significant, helping the Blues secure three consecutive victories and ease their relegation fears.

Everton’s Team News: David Moyes, who enjoyed success in his first stint at Everton between 2002-2013, knows the road to safety is far from over. His side enters the derby following a disappointing 2-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup.

Everton’s injury list has notably grown in recent weeks. The Toffees are now without several key players. Beto remains the only fit striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Armando Broja out with an ankle problem, and Youssef Chermiti dealing with a thigh injury. Additionally, Orel Mangala, who is on loan from Lyon, will not feature again this season after rupturing his ACL. Dwight McNeil is also recovering from knee surgery.

In terms of the full-backs, Seamus Coleman continues to struggle with a calf issue, and Vitalii Mykolenko was unavailable for the Bournemouth match due to a similar problem. Nathan Patterson also missed out with a hamstring complaint. Moyes gave an update on the situation post-match, saying, “It was only Myko felt his calf this morning when I saw him. We had the chance we could change it, and it was easy enough yet. I have no idea yet of the outcome but he just felt it a bit tight.”

Regarding Patterson, Moyes explained: “He felt his hamstring in training. That’s why he wasn’t here, he had a tight hamstring. I would think Wednesday would be too soon for him probably.”

Liverpool’s Team News: As for Liverpool, they have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a win over Everton. However, their FA Cup hopes were dashed by a surprise 1-0 defeat to Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

Manager Arne Slot opted to rest several key players, but things took a turn for the worse early on. Joe Gomez was forced off injured just 11 minutes into the match, while Curtis Jones was unable to make an impact from the bench due to a fitness issue. Adding to their concerns, Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a race against time to be fit, having missed the last two matches. Tyler Morton is also unavailable for the coming weeks due to a shoulder problem.

Slot provided an update on Gomez’s condition, saying: “I am not too sure. I am not too sure if it was the same leg, but I haven’t had time to ask him. It was clear, I think we all know which moment he felt a bit insecure about [it] because he didn’t sprint back fully. Then he said, ‘I am not 100 per cent sure and I am afraid if I make one extra sprint things will go wrong.’ It’s not torn, I assume, but it didn’t feel good for him.”

Regarding Jones, Slot added: “That was a bit of a blow because Curtis Jones was on the bench, but he came to me this morning and said, ‘I don’t think I am fully recovered yet’ as well after the training session yesterday.”

With several key players sidelined, Liverpool will have to rely on their squad depth to navigate this crucial derby.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach kick-off at Goodison Park.