David Moyes has provided an update on the fitness of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ahead of Everton’s big Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Following their dramatic late win against Wolves last week, the Gunners travel to Merseyside on Saturday night knowing that victory will keep them top of the table at Christmas.
There is little room for error, with Manchester City and Aston Villa just two and three points behind respectively.
Everton will be a tricky opponent, having won four of their last six, while they have lost just two of their nine games at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But they will be without one of their key players against Arsenal, with Moyes confirming that Dewsbury-Hall is out after suffering a thigh injury during last week’s loss at Chelsea.
The midfielder was arguable the most in-form player in the Premier League at the time, with three goals and two assists in the five matches prior, but hobbled off the pitch just 16 minutes into his return to Stamford Bridge.
‘Kiernan is doing well but not available for the game,’ Moyes said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
‘He’ll be a big miss for us but that’s what happens at this time of the years – liable to lose players, every club has got injuries and suspensions, so we’re no different to anybody else.’
Asked if there was a timescale on Dewsbury-Hall’s injury, Moyes cheekily replied: ‘We have, but I’m not telling you!’
There is however better news for the Toffees in regards to Grealish after the Manchester City loanee also felt his hamstring during the defeat at Chelsea.
What is your Everton vs Arsenal prediction?
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Everton win
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Draw
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Arsenal win
‘Jack is okay. Jack will be fit and available to play, yes,’ Moyes said, before adding that he hopes midfielder Merlin Rohl will also be fit enough to feature.
After an electric start to life at Everton, Grealish’s goal contributions have dried up of late, finding the back of the net just once in his last appearances.
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Nevertheless, the England international remains crucial to the side and there will be greater pressure on him to create and score with Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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