Everton captain Seamus Coleman is among Everton’s injury absentees for their 2023/24 Premier League opener at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, manager Sean Dyche has said.
Fellow defender Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder James Garner will also not be involved when the Toffees begin their campaign on Saturday (15:00 BST).
“We were hoping a few would be back but they are not,” said Dyche, speaking ahead of the start of his second full campaign in charge.
“That is unfortunate but the levels of performance and fitness through the rest of the squad has been good. Michael Keane has trained this week and trained fine today, so as long as there is no reaction then we think he will be fit.”
An update on injuries and player availability ahead of #EVEBHA. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/efWaXJtvRD
— Everton (@Everton) August 15, 2024
Everton vs Brighton: ‘Positivity’
Everton lost four and drew one of their first five top-flight matches last season, also suffering a six-point deduction over financial rules and going 13 games without victory between December 16 and April 6.
Ownership uncertainty also affected the club’s stability, but the Friedkin Group are now set to take over and guide Everton into their new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
“You get the sense that, after last season’s challenges and the positive end, there is more calmness and positivity,” said Dyche.
In the zone ahead of the weekend 👊 pic.twitter.com/uk0KF9Nw0f
— Everton (@Everton) August 15, 2024
“The reality of knowing the truth of what the situation is helps. But generally, being up and around people, there is a better feeling.
“We have been trying to bring in players who fit into the club. We have worked hard collectively with the scouts to get the right players.
“The only balance to that is that they don’t have much Premier League experience, so it is how quickly they can be effective and adapt. But I think we have adapted financially.”