Sean Dyche has confirmed that Everton could be without three players when they host Chelsea on Sunday.
The mood at the Blues has been uplifted by the completion of the Friedkin Group’s takeover but attention must quickly turn back to the action on the pitch.
The Toffees find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone and there is pressure on Dyche’s job as a result.
The former Burnley man revealed in his pre-match press conference that James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam will definitely not make the game (22 December) and Dwight McNeil could also miss out, saying: “Jimmy and Tim are still a bit behind the curve. They’re making progress but that is not going to be quick progress at this stage.”
“Dwight is probably touch and go, he’s got a niggly knee, we are being careful with it, as is he, we are hopeful but we will have to wait and see.”
Huge game for Everton
The Blues will go into the contest at Goodison Park full of confidence after positive results in their last two league matches.
Dyche’s side hammered Wolves 4-0 (4 December) and then earned an impressive draw with title-chasing Arsenal (14 December).
The latter result especially will give the side a huge momentum boost for the clash with Enzo Maresca’s side on Sunday.
The Toffees players and supporters will also be boosted by the competition of the Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club and representatives of the new owners are understood to be in attendance for the contest.
Victory on Sunday could give the Blues a six-point buffer on the relegation zone if other results go in their favour.
Failure to win could drag the Merseysiders right back into the thick of the relegation battle.
