In the upcoming Merseyside derby clash between Everton and Liverpool, Everton will be missing two key players, Beto and Seamus Coleman. Beto was involved in a frightening collision during Everton’s recent win against Nottingham Forest, which has ruled him out for the next couple of games. However, Toffees boss Sean Dyche is optimistic that Beto will be back in action soon, as he has passed all necessary checks and is recovering well.
On the other hand, captain Coleman is also unavailable due to a groin issue. Although he is back on the training ground, he won’t be fit in time for the derby. This absence will undoubtedly be felt by Everton, as Coleman brings leadership and experience to the team.
However, there is some good news for Everton fans regarding striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Despite dealing with a knee injury recently, Calvert-Lewin is hopeful of making a comeback for the derby. Dyche is waiting to see how the striker progresses but remains optimistic about his availability.
In the event that both Beto and Calvert-Lewin are unable to play, Dyche may turn to 19-year-old Youssef Chermiti to fill the void. Chermiti will face a daunting task against Liverpool’s strong defense, but the young player has shown promise and could surprise everyone with a standout performance.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will also face their own striker dilemma as Diogo Jota is sidelined with a hip issue. Manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Jota sustained a knock before the Atalanta game and felt discomfort in his hip during their recent match against Fulham. While the injury is not severe, it will keep Jota out of action for approximately two weeks.
This injury adds to Liverpool’s existing concerns up front, with key players like Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez already out due to long-term injuries. It puts further pressure on Klopp to find suitable replacements and maintain Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
The absence of both Beto and Jota will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the Merseyside derby. Both teams will need to rely on their squad depth and tactical strategies to secure a positive result. Everton will hope that Calvert-Lewin can recover in time, while Liverpool will have to come up with alternative attacking options to compensate for Jota’s absence. Ultimately, it will be a test of resilience and adaptability for both sides as they battle it out in one of English football’s most fiercely contested rivalries.