Five Everton players could miss Newcastle United clash as David Moyes faces dilemma

Everton will head into Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United depleted of midfield options.

The 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford will go down as a memorable night for two reasons. The first will be the result. Everton were full value for all three points, triumphing over the Red Devils on their own patch for the first time in 13 years.

And it was achieved despite David Moyes’ men being reduced to 10 men for the majority of the encounter. Idrissa Gana Gueye received his marching orders in the 13th minute in what can only be described as a bizarre moment for slapping team-mate Michael Keane. Most concurred that it was a harsh red card but the letter of the law stated that Gueye committed violent conduct.

Moyes was not vexed by the fracas after the game. Had Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s superb goal not delivered the Scot a maiden win at Old Trafford as an opposition manager, his stance might have been different. Moyes admitted he quite likes his players being angry at each other.

Still, it means that Gueye must serve a three-match suspension, starting with Saturday’s clash against Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium. And as the midfielder heads off to represent Senegal at the African Cup of Nations next month, he could miss Everton’s next 10 games.

As a consequence, Moyes has two out-and-out central midfielders against Forest in James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam. The Blues will be without Merlin Rohl, who underwent a hernia operation during the international break.

Moyes does have the option to drop Dewsbury-Hall deeper. However, the £25 million signing from Chelsea has been excellent in the No.10 position and the Everton boss may be reluctant to move him. If Dewsbury-Hall were to drop into the engine room then Charly Alcaraz could play in the attacking role.

In addition, there was the disappointing sight of Seamus Coleman being forced off inside 10 minutes against United. The Everton captain was handed his maiden Premier League start of the campaign, having played twice during the international break to help the Republic of Ireland reach the 2026 World Cup play-off qualifiers.

Coleman has suffered several injuries in recent campaigns and it’s likely that the fans’ favourite will be confined to a period on the treatment table.

Jarrad Branthwaite is still to make an appearance for Everton this season because of a hamstring issue. He underwent surgery last month. Nathan Patterson has also been absent for around a month because of a foot problem.