Everton and Crystal Palace are facing significant challenges as they gear up for their first match of the Premier League season. David Moyes has confirmed that he will be without three key midfielders, while Dean Henderson's fitness is also in doubt for the reigning Conference League champions.
The Toffees will host the Eagles on 22 August at Hill Dickinson Stadium, hoping to improve on last season's finish that saw them just four points shy of the European qualification spots. Regaining a place in Europe is one of their main objectives this season.
Moyes' midfield woes are compounded as Christian Norgaard is still working on his match fitness, James Garner is recovering from groin surgery, and Tim Iroegbunam has picked up a muscle injury.
David Moyes stated:
Christian Norgaard is not ready yet. Jimmy Garner is returning after his surgery. Tim Iroegbunam has a muscle issue, so he won't play tomorrow.
This situation forces the manager to rely on Harrison Armstrong, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Hayden Hackney, Merlin Roel and Carlos Alcaraz for his three central midfield positions, as the remaining squad members are available for selection.
Fortunately for Crystal Palace, their situation is considerably better. The only major concern surrounds Henderson, who twisted his ankle slightly. A decision regarding the first-choice goalkeeper will be made just before kick-off.
Palace boss Pierre Sage remarked:
He'll train with the goalkeeping coach today, and we'll decide tomorrow. We hope he can play. It’s just a slight twist of the ankle, nothing serious. Everyone else is fit, so I have decisions to make.
If Henderson is unable to feature, either Walter Benitez or Remi Matthews could step in as his replacement.
In the summer transfer window, Palace strengthened their squad with the arrival of former Everton player Dwight McNeil, along with Xavier Gozo, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oscar Mingueza and Anan Halaili.
