Everton boss David Moyes looking angry, Tottenham badge in inset.Declan Carr
David Moyes has shared an update on the state of his Everton squad for the clash with Tottenham.
Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out, and will be looking to get back to winning ways against Thomas Frank’s side.
Everton have an excellent recent record against Spurs, and will be looking to extend that at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 26 October.
Moyes’ side have one win in their last five in all competitions, and the visitors have a similar record, as shown by the Sofascore graphic below.
Everton and Tottenham’s recent form.
Everton and Tottenham’s recent form.
Everton duo to miss out against Tottenham
Jack Grealish is set to return for Everton, after missing the City game due to being ineligible, but two Blues stars will miss the contest.
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Jarrad Branthwaite is a definite absentee for Everton, after the defender underwent surgery to fix a hamstring issue.
Moyes also shared that Nathan Patterson will not feature, as the Blues look to get their season back on track against the North Londoners.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on 24 October, he said: “We expected him [Branthwaite] to be very close for Man City, he just did not feel right, and we got it checked and got some work done on it.
“No, we would not put a timescale on it, we will give him the chance to heal and take his time.
“Patto had a plantar fascia tear in his foot, which he picked up for the Under-21s against Bradford, which will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks, in that period he has had an issue with his hernia, so we are going to get it tidied up while he is out.”
Why Jarrad Branthwaite will be the biggest miss for Everton
Branthwaite will be the biggest miss for the Toffees, as he is a key player for Moyes when he is fit and available for selection.
The England World Cup squad hopeful formed a brilliant partnership with James Tarkowski last season, and Moyes will have hoped he could continue that this time around.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton stats
Credit: Sofascore
His impact for the Toffees is shown by the Sofascore graphic above, as he averages 4.40 ball recoveries and 4.70 clearances per 90 minutes.
However, that has not been the case, and he is yet to feature for the Blues, after suffering an injury in the pre-season clash with Roma in August.
Michael Keane has stepped up admirably in his absence, but he does not boast the same security and passing ability as the 23-year-old.
It will be a huge relief when he does eventually return, however, unfortunately, it does not seem like that will be anytime soon after Moyes’ latest update.
That does not bode well for Branthwaite’s chances of making the Three Lions’ squad, but it also does not look good for the Blues either.
