Sandro, Klaassen out for Hajduk return leg

Sandro Ramirez has not recovered from his ankle ailment and did not make the group that left for Croatia today. In addition, midfielder Davy Klaassen picked up a foot injury in the draw at Manchester City on Monday and also did not travel to Split.

Everton lead Hajduk Split 2-0 after the first leg last Thursday following goals from Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye. The Blues will be looking to progress on aggregate tomorrow to the draw for the Europa League proper that takes place on Friday afternoon.

Speaking to the media before the squad left earlier today, Ronald Koeman said -

“Sandro did not travel and neither has Davy Klaassen, who got a knock on his foot. Davy will be out for at least one week but he will be fit after the international break.

“Sandro is a doubt for Sunday’s game [against Chelsea].

“James McCarthy has a knock on his knee and, also, normally after the international duty, he will be available.”

The Blues will already be without Morgan Schneiderlin for the Chelsea game over the weekend following his sending off on Monday, and missing Sandro and Klaassen as well will severely hamper Koeman’s tactical options.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

When asked if new signing Gylfi Sigurdsson would be involved tomorrow, Koeman added -

“I need to make the decision. He got game time on Monday and now the decision is whether he starts tomorrow or comes on during the game.

“We have one more session [on Wednesday evening], then I will make that decision on Thursday morning.”