Silva could be forced to change winning lineup

Marco Silva is always loathe to change a team that has just won, and even more so an Everton lineup that absolutely outclassed Manchester United 4-0 last weekend. However, it appears injuries are going to take their toll and he’s going to be forced to make a change or two.

Richarlison appeared to sustain a rib injury in the first half on Sunday, and was unable to shake it off, eventually getting replaced early in the second period. He hasn’t trained this week and at this point can be considered out for Saturday’s clash at Crystal Palace.

His substitute last weekend Theo Walcott has been fighting a virus all week and will be assessed before the game for fitness.

Both the players mentioned previously scored in the romp, and a third scorer Lucas Digne also left the game with a foot injury sustained when he got stamped on. However, he is expected to be fit.

Finally, central defender Yerry Mina has fully recovered from the hamstring injury sustained in international duty and has resumed training with the squad, and could be in contention this weekend as well.

Speaking yesterday during the pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to London, manager Marco Silva said -

“Lucas is okay but Richarlison is a major doubt for us. He tried yesterday to work with us and again today. We will see how he reacts tomorrow [Friday].

“Theo was sick this morning, so we will also see how he reacts. Yerry Mina started training with the team at the beginning of the week and is doing well.

“We did really well against United and were clinical and assertive in the final third. The players rested for one day, then worked hard to prepare for the next match. Nothing changed in our work.

“I am really happy when I see the team performing how we did last week and our players and fans enjoying the game.

“But it was just three points and we have to keep working hard to achieve what we want in the next match.”