After the midweek exit from the Carabao Cup, David Moyes can now focus his energies at Everton back on the Premier League until the new year at least. The manager’s bold move to give some of the squad backups playing team blew up in his face as Wolves’ nine changes outplayed his seven changes in a 2-0 defeat.
Now after a scoreless home draw and away defeat at Anfield, it’s time for the Toffees to get back to the winning ways that had the fans humming ‘Spirit of the Blues’ after three straight victories
leading into the international break.
The Blues will have to watch the rest of the league play first this weekend with West Ham’s visit on Monday night concluding Matchweek 6. Speaking during his pre-match press conference earlier today, Moyes updated the injury status of Jarrad Branthwaite who is yet to resume training with the first team. Midfielder Merlin Röhl was also not available for the game at Wolves.
“Jarrad is fine, but he’ll not be available for Monday and neither is Merlin, they’re both out.
“At the moment, Jarrad is not back with the group, we’re expecting him back shortly, but not quite yet.”
Moyes gave more details on the left-sided centrehalf, saying he was being more cautious with bringing him back.
“I think we are really. We’re disappointed that he re-injured himself and we’ve had to look after it.
“We’ll get him back, it’s just disappointing because he’s an important player for us.
“As it is, Michael Keane has played really well and filled in great, so it’s covered us a little bit.”
When asked about why Adam Aznou has not gotten any playing time, Moyes said –
“He’s got a bit to do before he’s ready for the first team at the moment but we were aware of that before he came in”
Seems a bit odd that given that the player who started for half a season on loan at Real Valladolid earlier this calendar year is not ready, but Moyes might be referencing the more physical nature of the game in England, which the slightly-built Aznou might not be ready for.
For the Hammers, Tomáš Souček is unavailable serving a suspension for a red card, and Aaron Wan Bissaka is out injured.
