Everton Squad State Conflicted Ahead of Leeds Clash

Everton host Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, with the Toffees squad left unclarified.

The expectation following the slender 1-0 victory of Unai Emery, where Thierno Barry’s pinpoint accurate chip sealed the deal for the Blues last Sunday, was for the majority of players unable to feature to return. Everton have been without Dewsbury-Hall, Branthwaite, Alcaraz and Senegalese duo Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye for a while now, with the latter two representing and winning AFCON following perhaps the most controversial final of all time.

Although Gueye and Ndiaye are set to come straight back into the squad, Dewsbury-Hall and Branthwaite have just resumed full training and may possibly reserve a spot on the bench. Just as lots return, one is set for a long spell on the sidelines, that being Jack Grealish.

Since joining the Toffees on loan in the summer, the 30-year-old has easily become a fan favourite, contributing 8 G/As so far this season and on the podium for assists this season, just behind Rayan Cherki and Bruno Fernandes. The Englishman has played a huge role on the left wing since signing but is not expected to play again for a few months following a stress fracture in his foot.

Grealish played the full 90 minutes in the victory at Villa Park against the winger’s former club but will not feature for a while.

Moyes has spoken in the pre-match press conference, stating, "It's a big blow because he's been hugely important to us since the start of the season,” with the Glaswegian adding, “It's not for me to give the timescales – we’ve not got it from the doctors yet." There is also the possibility of Grealish returning to parent club Manchester City, freeing up a domestic loan spot for Everton to use in the January transfer window. Although the manager has admitted that Everton are in “close contact” with City, the Scotsman has explained that “we’re only thinking about Jack. We're upset and disappointed for him that he's got an injury."

The 62-year-old also added that there is nothing going on behind the scenes regarding a permanent transfer: “We’re not thinking about it at the moment.”

From one Englishman to another, more positive news has come out of Finch Farm, as James Garner has signed a new contract extension with the Blues.

Since joining the club in 2022, it has taken a while for the midfielder to cement a place as a Premier League player. However, since Moyes has taken charge, Garner has transformed into an incredible talent, with the possibility of the England squad on the cards:

I'm really excited to commit my future to Everton,” the star stated to evertontv following the signing of the new deal.

"I'm very grateful for all the support and all the love I've had over the past three-and-a-half years, but it's just the start. I've seen the progress we've made recently. Now I want to be part of that progress and get us back to where the Club deserves to be. I feel like I'm now a part of the Club and I'm hoping to be a part of it for a long time. I've got family members who are all Evertonians, so I know exactly the passion and, like I've just said, what it means to play for such a massive football club like this.”

The 24-year-old also spoke regarding the expectations for the Toffees, explaining that “the aim this season is to get into Europe, that's what us, as a club – and us as players and staff – should be aiming for. Nothing less.I think that's very achievable, and that's what we want for the next season and the seasons after that.”

Last but not least, Everton confirmed yesterday that Under-21s fullback Roman Dixon has completed a loan move to Stockport County for the remainder of the campaign. The 21-year-old has featured a few times for the first team, including a Premier League debut in August 2024, as well as playing against Doncaster Rovers and Southampton too. The loan move will allow the youngster to gain experience, especially under a thriving side, as Stockport currently sit fourth in League One.

It’s safe to say it’s been an emotional rollercoaster within the Everton training ground this week, with lots going on!

Everton will also welcome Dominic Calvert-Lewin back on Monday.

Following the striker’s decision to not sign the contract offered at the closing stages of last season, Calvert-Lewin decided it was “time for a new challenge”, soon enough completing a move to Elland Road. The 28-year-old has proven any doubters wrong this season, as the long-lasting criticism continued during the move due to injury problems and poor statistics. The striker has scored nine goals this season, as well as providing one assist, in twenty matches for Leeds United.

Currently sitting fourth top goalscorer, behind Haaland, Igor Thiago and Antonie Semenyo, the free-agent signing has certainly proved to be beneficial for Daniel Farke.

In the German manager’s pre-match press conference, the 49-year-old is expected to have a majority unchanged squad from the 1-0 win against Fulham, with Lukas Nmecha’s 91st-minute strike claiming all three points right at the death, with Anton Stach possibly returning, whereas Gabriel Gudmundsson may be a doubt for the clash:

"Gabi is struggling after the last game with a bit of adductor problems,” Farke explained.

"For the game on Monday night there is a little question mark behind his availability. Apart from that, everyone came through the Fulham game without any problems, and that is more or less good news. Also good news from our rehab department. Anton was today part integrated in team training, so no reaction so far. It looks like he could be available.”

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Premier League Matchweek 23:

Saturday 24th January:

West Ham 3-1 Sunderland

Burnley 2-2 Spurs

Fulham 2-1 Brighton

Man City 2-0 Wolves

Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool

Sunday 25th January:

Brentford 14:00 Nottingham Forest

Crystal Palace 14:00 Chelsea

Newcastle 14:00 Aston Villa

Arsenal 16:30 Man United

Monday 26th January:

Everton 20:00 Leeds

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Thank you for reading my pre-match article!