Everton are set to be without Iliman Ndiaye for their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Senegal international left the pitch in tears on Wednesday night in the derby against Liverpool after picking up an injury early on in the game.
Ndiaye has played a huge role in Everton’s season after making his return to England over the summer.
Moyes considered Ndiaye as a striker replacement with Everton’s options so fine due to other injuries in his squad.
But it looks as if the Toffees are set to be without their playmaker for a period of time as the club look to continue their fine run of form under Moyes.
With Everton fans left sweating over the severity of Ndiaye’s injury, the 61-year-old manager has faced the media for the first time since the Merseyside Derby.
READ MORE: Anthony Gordon puts Everton rumour to bed as he makes shocking revelation
Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton consoles team mate Iliman Ndiaye as he is assisted off the pitch by medical staff after sustaining an injury during t…
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
It was suggested on Thursday that Everton had sent Ndiaye for a scan on his injury with the fanbase left holding their breath.
Speaking in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Friday, Moyes shared the very latest on Everton’s star man.
“Ili’s got a medial ligament injury. It’s not looking great at the moment,” said Moyes from Finch Farm.
“We’re not sure how long it’s going to be. We’ll probably get more on that but it’s going to be a few weeks anyway.”
With the Senegal international set to miss some time, Moyes is going to have to get creative with his attacking options depleted.
Ndiaye has already praised Michael Keane’s finishing ability, but the defender is currently struggling for game time under Moyes.
What Everton games Iliman Ndiaye could miss through injury
There is no real let up for Everton in the Premier League with fixtures continuing to come thick and fast over the coming weeks.
Although not ideal, the Toffees are now out of the FA Cup so there will be a weekend in two weeks without a game.
Moyes will likely provide his players with some rest over that weekend before they face Wolves a week later.
But Ndiaye could around four games if the best case scenario plays out and he only misses ‘a few weeks’.
There is now going to be a lot of pressure on players like Jack Harrison to step up to the mark and put in some much improved showings.
But there will not be a lot of optimism around the Everton fans with Jarrad Branthwaite spotted shouting at Harrison against Liverpool.
A full and speedy recovery for Ndiaye is all Everton fans will be hoping for now.
