Everton vs Brighton injury news: 10 players out and five more doubtful for Premier League opener

Everton’s 2024-25 Premier League season begins in earnest when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Goodison Park on Saturday (15.00 BST).

Toffees supporters will be hoping that there is significantly less drama than the past three campaigns. In both 2021-22 and 2022-23, Everton narrowly avoided Premier League relegation.

And last season was dominated by a battle with the Premier League, with the Blues docked a total of eight points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, as well as a failed takeover.

Sean Dyche comfortably guided Everton to safety, though, and they would have finished 12 without their punishment. Heading into the season, after drawing their final pre-season friendly 1-1 against AS Roma, most supporters would take a mid-table finish especially ahead of the move to the new stadium next year.

Brighton have had a summer of change, with Roberto De Zerbi departing the hot seat and being replaced by Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls beat Villarreal 4-0 last weekend ahead of the trip to Merseyside.

Both teams will want a winning start yet unusually have injury issues for this time of the year. Here’s a look at the early team news.

Everton players out

Jarrad Branthwaite - the centre-back had groin surgery earlier this summer and did not feature in any pre-season games. Dyche admitted it is highly unlikely he’d feature against Brighton.

Nathan Patterson - continues his recovery from a long-term hamstring issues suffered in April. The right-back had surgery and missed the Euros with Scotland.

Youssef Chermiti - the striker was forced to have a minor operation last week after picking up a foot injury in training.

Stanley Mills - the youngster sustained a knee injury during an impressive loan spell at Oxford United last term. The versatile wide man is still recovering from his setback.

Everton players doubtful

Seamus Coleman - limped off with a calf issue in last week’s draw against Roma. Everton’s captain was set to be assessed.

Michael Keane - the centre-back was absent against Roma because of a knee injury. However, Dyche revealed Keane was due back training this week.

James Garner - the midfielder has missed the past three games with a calf problem. Dyche wasn’t overly concerned about Garner’s problem when speaking after the 3-0 friendly win at Preston earlier this month.

Brighton players out

Bart Verbruggen - the goalkeeper helped Holland reach the semi-finals of the Euros but has an unspecified issue and is set to miss the first few games of the season.

Solly March - the winger is still on the comeback trail after having an ACL operation last season.

Pervis Estupinan - the left-back continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

Julio Enciso - Represented Paraguay at both the Copa America and the Olympics this summer and is set to be given some time to recover, having sustained a minor issue.

Igor Julio - the centre-back has been absent throughout the pre-season period and will not be match fit to play at Goodison.

Evan Ferguson - the key striker has not played at all in pre-season because of an ongoing foot complaint. A big blow for Brighton.

Brighton players doubtful

Billy Gilmour - the Scotland international has not played once in pre-season and is a transfer target for Napoli.

Tariq Lamptey - the defender was not involved against Villarreal and could still be unavailable.