Everton are left to lick their wounds after a chastening 6-0 defeat by Chelsea earlier this week.
The Toffees were lacklustre to a man at Stamford Bridge as they suffered a damaging loss in their battle for Premier League survival. Sean Dyche’s side remain just two points above the drop zone, having been deducted a combined total of eight points this season for two breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
With six games remaining, Everton require a sudden turnaround in form if they are to avoid another dogfight. The Blues have won just one of their previous 14 league games and face bottom-three rivals Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday (13.30 BST).
To add to Everton’s challenge, the number of players on the treatment table has increased. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gana Gueye were absent against Chelsea while Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson were forced off with issues.
Ahead of the Forest game, here’s a look at the current injury situation and which players could be back.
1. Dominic Calvert-Lewin - hamstring
The striker suffered an issue ahead of the Chelsea game. Dyche’s press conference was four days before the trip to Stamford Bridge that Calvert-Lewin had not trained and he was not risked given his previous fitness problems. The Everton boss is hopeful Calvert-Lewin could be back this weekend. Potential return game: Nottingham Forest (H), Sunday 21 April.
2. Idrissa Gana Gueye - calf
The midfielder was absent in the capital after waking up with an issue. Gueye did travel to Chelsea although he had a couple of calf complaints earlier this campaign. Much will depend on how he recovers. Potential return game: Nottingham Forest (H), Sunday 21 April.
3. Jarrad Branthwaite - knock
The centre-back has been Everton’s standout performer this term and it was a grim sight to watch him forced off against Chelsea. Branthwaite has a good injury record during his career, though, and Dyche said that the England under-21 international’s issue is only minor. Potential return game: Nottingham Forest (H), Sunday 21 April.
4. Seamus Coleman - groin
The Everton captain came off at half-time against Chelsea with a pulled groin. Coleman is another who has had some niggles since he returned from a serious knee injury earlier this season. Potential return game: unknown