Everton will have a day or two to wait more than most other Premier League teams before they resume action after the last international break of 2025, with a Monday night game at Manchester United beckoning.
Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, manager David Moyes gave a squad fitness update and once again just when the Blues were starting to be able to use most of their thin squad, an injury has popped up again that will see Everton light in the midfield area going into the busy festive season and the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon as well.
Germany Under-21 international Merlin Röhl had a minor operation on a hernia issue that will see him “out for a few weeks”, which could honestly mean anything..
Moyes looked to keep a brave face when talking about Röhl, and this doesn’t appear to be the kind of issue that has lingering effects.
“Unfortunately, Merlin had an operation a week last Monday on his hernia. It’s going to keep him out for a few weeks.
“Hopefully by the time we get around to December, he’ll be fit and ready to go again.”
There were no other injury updates with both Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson recovering from surgeries, though the manager did have some words for Seamus Coleman who had an excellent international break playing two full games for the Republic of Ireland and ushering them into the World Cup playoff round.
“For me, it was really good to see Seamus get the minutes and get the time. It’s great he’s getting the minutes. His training is terrific and his attitude is always impeccable. He’s certainly in my thoughts, that’s for sure.”
The Scotsman also talked about how he was going to get Tyler Dibling more playing time with the summer signing having only played 62 minutes in four appearances this season, despite having logged 1,874 minutes for Southampton last season over 33 appearances.
“We’re looking forward to getting Tyler more minutes as we go along and get him featuring in the games,” said Moyes. “He’s seeing Ili do really well on the right but we really like him as a player and he’s certainly a player for our future.”
The Red Devils will be without a few players for the clash as well with striker Benjamin Šeško incurring a knee injury, defenders Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire doubtful and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo a ‘minor doubt’.
