Everton face a potential selection crisis with up to seven players doubtful for Thursday's Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle United. Manager David Moyes is awaiting news on the availability of several key squad members ahead of the midweek fixture, with the squad's recent form adding urgency to the situation. The team has lost its last two Premier League games, failing to score in either, and currently sits 11th in the league table with 10 points from eight matches.
Jack Grealish missed Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal due to illness and remains a doubt. Matias Fernandez-Pardo is also struggling with illness, while Jarrad Branthwaite is working through concussion protocols after a collision with Chelsea's Emi Martinez. The situation is compounded by a hamstring injury to Ewen Jaouen, who is ruled out until December.
Vitalii Mykolenko was forced off during the second half against Arsenal, adding to the defensive concerns. Lewis Miley is a further doubt due to a glute issue, and while Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey are making progress after recent substitute appearances, their readiness to start is uncertain. Thierno Barry, the club's top scorer this season with three goals, is the only recognised senior centre-forward available.
The absences leave the squad stretched, particularly in defence. James Garner played at left-back against Arsenal with Merlin Rohl on the opposite flank, a solution that would reduce midfield options if repeated. Hayden Hackney, Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are among those who could be called upon from the bench. The full extent of the injury list will shape Moyes's plans.
There is some positive news, as Tino Livramento is in rehabilitation and could return soon to offer a boost. The Carabao Cup tie offers Everton a chance to change the direction of a difficult week. The club will be keen to build momentum before they travel to St James' Park again for a Premier League game just four days after the cup tie.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has confirmed he plans to rotate his team, with six players currently unavailable for the visitors. Everton will hope their patched-up side can replicate the result from the last meeting, a 2-0 win for the Toffees on October 21st. The immediate focus, however, is handling Thursday's cup tie with a depleted squad, knowing a positive result could lift spirits ahead of a quick return for the next fixture in the league.
This story first appeared at liverpoolecho.co.uk
