'Had an operation' - Everton confirm new injury blow ahead of Man United clash
Everton injury news ahead of the clash against Man United in the Premier League.
David Moyes has confirmed that Merlin Rohl is set for a period on the Everton sidelines.
The midfielder joined the Toffees from SC Freiburg on a season-long loan with the obligation to buy for £17 million. The former Germany international is still to make his full debut for Everton. He has made four appearances so far, having had a groin problem shortly after his summer arrival.
The Blues return to action after the international break when they travel to Manchester United on Monday evening. But they will be without Rohl, who had an operation for a hernia after the 2-0 victory over Fulham last time out.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Moyes said: “Unfortunately, Merlin had an operation on his hernia a week last Monday, which is going to keep him out for a few weeks. Hopefully by the time we get to December he will be pretty ready and fit to go again.”
Everton are still missing Jarrad Branthwaite, who had a hamstring operation last month and has not played this season. Moyes is still unsure when the key centre-back will return. “For neither of them, we haven’t got dates. Merlin got done on the Monday after we played Fulham. We knew he had a bit of a problem and got it sorted.”
A fitness boost for Everton during the international break was that Seamus Coleman played twice for the Republic of Ireland. The Boys in Green’s dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary ensured they earned a place in the play-offs to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Coleman has been on the periphery of things so far this term but Moyes insists the club captain is in his thinking for a starting spot. “For me, it was really good to see Seamus get the minutes. It’s nott been easy to get Seamus back into it,” the Everton boss added. “He had quite a few injuries last year, especially when I came back to the club. Even going through most of the season, he only returned at the end then picked up another injury. I’ve got to say, in training he has been terrific, his attitude is always impeccable. He’s certainly in my thoughts, that is for sure.”
The only other senior player who looks set to be absent from Everton’s squad against Man United at Old Trafford is Nathan Patterson. The right-back picked up a foot injury while representing the under-21s in a 5-1 EFL Trophy loss to Bradford City. Patterson also had surgery for a hernia.