Liverpool and Everton Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Merseyside Derby
Up to nine first-team players are expected to miss Wednesday’s Merseyside derby as Liverpool aim to solidify their Premier League title bid against their fierce rivals, Everton. Their last encounter in February, the final derby at Goodison Park, saw James Tarkowski score a late equalizer for the Toffees in a heated clash that ended with multiple dismissals, including Liverpool manager Arne Slot following a dispute with referee Michael Oliver.
Liverpool Struggles with Defensive Absences
The Reds’ primary concerns lie in defense, particularly at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez all sidelined due to ankle and hamstring injuries. Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid this summer, would have faced a mixed reception from the Anfield crowd. Jarrell Quansah is expected to fill in at right-back, while youngster Tyler Morton is also unavailable.
However, Liverpool have received a boost with Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch returning to fitness. Alisson, who suffered a concussion on international duty, has been cleared to play, while Gravenberch has recovered from an injury that forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands squad.
Everton Without Key Attacking Players
David Moyes’ team will be without three of their main attacking threats. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored in Jurgen Klopp’s final Merseyside derby, is ruled out alongside Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye. Full-back Vitalii Mykolenko also remains sidelined with a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Ukraine. Additionally, Orel Mangala continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Both managers now face selection dilemmas as they prepare for a crucial showdown at Anfield.