Everton will be without rumoured want-away striker Moise Kean for their game on Saturday against Brighton as well as some key players.
Kean hasn’t had much action at the start of this campaign and after a poor debut season therefore there has been many outlets suggesting that Juventus are in talks to re-sign the Italian striker.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was quick to dismiss them links in his press conference for the encounter against Brighton.
The Italian said: “He has a future in Everton. The club made a big, big investment on him.
“This week he was not well so didn’t train. He will not be in the squad tomorrow for this reason.”
As well as Kean key players Allan and Andre Gomes will be unavailable for Ancelotti to select which will be a massive blow for Everton’s midfield.
Andre Gomes will only be out for a few days whereas Allan will be fit after the international break.
The Brazilian has been putting in splendid performances but seemed to be in a lot of pain against West Ham when he looked to have damaged his groin.
Luckily though for Everton Fabian Delph was fit enough to start against West Ham in midweek and put in a dominant display in the middle of the park so he may be able to make supporters not miss Allan too much if he starts.
The Goodison faithful will also be sweating over the fitness of Richarlison. He will be needing a fitness test after going off against West Ham.
The risk to play a strong squad in the League Cup potentially may come back to haunt Ancelotti if Everton fail to deliver another positive result on the weekend.
It has been a mightily impressive start to the season from Everton winning their first six games for the first time since the 1938-39 campaign. To continue the hot streak of form they will need to overcome Brighton & Hove Albion.
Graham Potter’s Seagulls have had a mixed start in terms of results but have had pleasing performances. In their two defeats, against Chelsea and Manchester United, they were the outsiders but played very well.
They were awfully unlucky against Manchester United but to be harsh the attacking players finishing has been poor.
There will have to be a big improvement in that aspect if they are to take anything from Everton who are still facing a centre back injury crisis.
Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite are still injured but Ancelotti seems to have made his move in the transfer market as Everton have had a bid accepted for Norwich City centre back Ben Godfrey.
The fee will be £25 million plus add ons for The Canaries defender and Everton will be hoping the deal can be finished soon. It’s been confirmed that he will miss the Norwich City game this weekend due to the deal.
For now though Everton will have to cope with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane. Not exactly bad options and they will be vital in stopping Brighton’s fluid attacking style of play which Ancelotti said is “really clear & exciting.”
Everton will have extra motivation as they will be seeking revenge for last seasons game at Brighton in which they lost in the last minute. VAR that they helped Brighton giving a penalty.
The decision was later confirmed to be an error of judgement.
Last weekend Everton themselves got a helping hand, literally, from the ludicrous decisions as they were given a penalty through handball. The new interpretation of the rule has led to a ridiculous amount of spot kicks and it would be a surprise if there isn’t one in every game.
If Richarlison isn’t fit enough to play and take one the responsibility may be on the shoulders of Dominic Calvert-Lewin which isn’t the worst idea.
The strikers form has led to him getting a England call-up and he will be wanting to get another hat-trick so fans can carry on signing the Spirit of the Blues.
Even Carlo has been trying to learn it, what a season this promises to be for The Toffees.
