Seven Everton players ruled out of Leicester City clash - and three more doubtful

Sean Dyche will be hoping to have some of his players back when Everton make the trip to Leicester City today.

The encounter already feels seismic, with the Blues yet to pick up any points in their opening four Premier League games. And after crashing out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Southampton, pressure has started to increase on manager Sean Dyche from sections of supporters.

Everton face a Leicester side expected to be in a relegation scrap after their return to the top flight. The Foxes have accrued two points so far and the visitors will feel that a victory is possible.

But Dyche could have a depleted squad, having had just 12 senior outfield players available for the Southampton game. The Everton boss had to bring a sheet of paper to his press conference given the number of his squad suffering from illness and injury.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Vitalii Mykolenko are expected to be back having had a sickness bug for the Saint loss. They trained on Thursday although James Garner did not while Jack Harrison left Finch Farm with illness. Dyche was hopeful the latter wasn’t too serious.

James Tarkowski also trained on Thursday after a back issue but fellow centre-back Michael Keane had to have a scan for leg issue. It was described as precautionary, though., so Keane could feature.

Definitely missing the Leicester game is Jarrad Branthwaite (groin), who is set to make his return to action for the under-21s against Sunderland tomorrow. Nathan Patterson (hamstring) also could be in action at Southport’s Haig Avenue having been absent since April.

Seamus Coleman (calf) appears he will be on the treatment table for a prolonged period with Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja (both ankle) still absent. Meanwhile, versatile 20-year-old Stanley Mills continues his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered during a fruitful loan spell at Oxford United last term.

Finally, Idrissa Gana Gueye is unavailable still because of a family bereavement.