Ancelotti provides Everton squad update

Everton travel to Norwich City tomorrow with what is likely going to be the same squad that faced Liverpool over the weekend.

Speaking on his pre-match conference call, manager Carlo Ancelotti indicated that there has been no changes in the status of a couple of players. Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph are improving and though there was a chance that they would be in the traveling party to East Anglia, the game will come too soon for the pair.

“Yerry Mina and Delph are close to coming back but not available for the game tomorrow.

“I hope they will be available for the next game.

“We had no injury problems for the game against Liverpool so it will be the same squad against Norwich.”

Fullback Djibril Sidibe was a surprise omission from the squad over the weekend, and though there were rumours that the on-loan player had returned to Lyon, this was dispelled by the player claiming a late injury. Ancelotti confirmed that diagnosis today, saying he would not be in the squad tomorrow either.

“Djibril Sidibe is not available tomorrow. He has a problem on his feet, an inflammation.

“I hope he will be ready soon.”

The Toffees sat back and ceded the majority of the possession to Liverpool on Sunday, but what can the fans expect against bottom team Norwich?

“On the tactical aspects it did not change a lot. From the data we have seen the away team has a lot more possibility to compete because the home team loses the support of the crowd.

“But after three days it will be difficult to keep the same physical level. Norwich has two more days recovery but fortunately in football there is not only the physical aspect to consider.”

Everton had put in a limp performance in the first leg of this game at Goodison, and Ancelotti wants to see his side hungrier away at the Canaries.

“Tomorrow is a chance to avenge that defeat [at Goodison Park earlier this season].

“The players understand we have to play a fantastic game. Norwich are in a difficult position but they want to use the chance against us to gain points.

“It is important for us to be focused. It will be more difficult because the motivation the lesser sides have to give is totally different [to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League].

“It is really important to be focused and try to win.”

When asked if it will be different for the Blues playing away, where they have struggled in recent seasons, Ancelotti shrugged off any concerns.

“I think it will be different as it was different against Liverpool.

“Everything is new. Against Liverpool it was new, the position of the dressing room, everything is new, but we have to accept this and follow the protocol the Premier League give to us.”

All quotes courtesy of Liverpool Echo.