Four Everton first-team players are expected to miss season opener, while six others are uncertain to play…
Everton will look for their first pre-season victory as they make the short journey to Preston North End today (15:00 BST).
Sean Dyce is not overly worried about the team’s lack of wins in their first three summer matches. He is focusing on fitness to make sure his players are in top shape for the Premier League season opener against Brighton on August 17.
Nonetheless, Dyce will be looking for significant improvements following the 3-0 defeat at Coventry City. However, the Toffees had a shortage of first-team players available, and it is still uncertain who will be fit for the match against Championship team Preston.
It’s unexpected that James Tarkowski has not played at all during pre-season, considering his excellent injury record.
He has been a constant presence for the Toffees in the Premier League since joining from Burnley two years ago. Tarkowski has been dealing with a glute issue.
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is facing a similar situation after encountering a setback in his recovery from ankle ligament damage sustained at the end of last season.
Idrissa Gana Gueye, who signed a contract extension with Everton earlier this summer, has been absent from the last two matches.
Youssef Chermiti’s absence at Coventry was unexpected. The striker, who scored twice in a 3-3 draw at Sligo Rovers, developed a foot issue, and the club is awaiting test results.
Jesper Lindstrom, who joined on a season-long loan from Napoli last week, has been dealing with a minor thigh problem, prompting the Blues to be cautious.
Everton fans traveling to Preston will hope to see Jake O’Brien for the first time. The centre-back’s £17 million move from Lyon was announced shortly before the Coventry match, so it was not surprising he didn’t play. Dyche has noted that Everton will need to assess O’Brien’s fitness.
Nathan Patterson is still recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in early April. The right-back required surgery, causing him to miss Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Pickford is also unavailable until next week, having enjoyed a delayed break following his key role in England’s consecutive Euros runner-up finishes. Dele Alli has returned to Everton after his contract expired in June. The midfielder is working on his fitness after not playing since April 2023 while on loan at Besiktas.
