Everton handed fresh injury hammer blow as three key players ruled out of Chelsea clash

Everton have been handed a hammer triple injury blow ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Thursday.

The Athletic reports that Rafa Benitez will be without Richarlison, Andros Townsend and Seamus Coleman.

The trio, who are all regular starters, picked up respective problems in the 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday and adds to Benitez’s problems on the treatment table.

Why is Richarlison unavailable?

Richarlison made his frustrations clear when he was brought off in the second half at Palace at the Toffees were a goal behind.

The travelling Evertonians certainly made their anger known as the Brazilian made way for Salomon Rondon.

Benitez admitted after the game that Richarlison sustained a calf injury in the first half. Having tried to continue after the break, he was withdrawn so his problem did not worsen.

Following scans, The Athletic claims Richarlison will be absent for “a number of weeks”

Why is Andros Townsend unavailable?

Townsend is said to have suffered a fracture to his foot.

The winger will have his issue examined by a specialist later in the week.

Why is Seamus Coleman unavailable?

Coleman, whose poor clearance led to Conor Gallagher’s third goal for Palace, picked up bone bruising and soft tissue damage.

He will undergo late fitness tests but is a major doubt to feature against Chelsea.

Who else will Everton be without?

Everton appear to make the trip to Stamford Bridge without five key players.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues his comeback from a quad injury that’s ruled him out since the third game of the season.

Meanwhile, Yerry Mina suffered a calf complaint in the first half of the 2-1 defeat of Arsenal last week.

It was his first game since October, having previously had a hamstring problem.