Everton head into Saturday’s lunchtime Premier League encounter with Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium with several key fitness questions hanging over the squad. Manager David Moyes delivered updates during Friday’s press conference that highlighted the challenges facing his side after an impressive unbeaten start to the campaign. The Toffees sit fifth in the table with 10 points from six matches and will be keen to maintain momentum against a Chelsea side also on 10 points.
Left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko missed the 2-2 draw at Hull City last weekend after picking up an injury while on international duty with Ukraine. Moyes revealed that the defender is making good progress and has a chance of featuring against Chelsea, though his availability remains uncertain. This comes at a time when Everton’s defensive resources have already been stretched, with the club operating on a limited squad of just 18 senior outfield players following a turbulent summer transfer window.
Branthwaite and Norgaard Updates
Jarrad Branthwaite completed the full 90 minutes at Hull despite suffering a leg issue early in the game. Moyes confirmed the centre-back has been monitored closely during the week, but the 23-year-old England international is expected to be available. His versatility has been tested recently, including a stint at left-back in Mykolenko’s absence, but the club will hope to keep him in his preferred central role to anchor the backline.
Summer signing Christian Norgaard, who arrived from Arsenal for a reported £7 million in August, is still waiting to make his debut after a groin injury delayed his integration. Moyes indicated the Danish midfielder could be involved on Saturday but is not yet ready to start. The 32-year-old’s experience in midfield could prove valuable as Everton look to control games in the middle of the park amid their ongoing search for greater squad depth.
These fitness concerns arrive as Everton prepare for a fixture that pits two sides with similar records against each other. Moyes has stressed the importance of building on the club’s strong position, with the team having collected points steadily while navigating a period of transition. The limited options in attack, with only Thierno Barry as a recognised striker, add further context to the need for players like Branthwaite and Mykolenko to stay fit and available.
The situation underscores the demands on Everton’s medical and coaching staff to manage workloads carefully in the coming weeks. With the new Hill Dickinson Stadium providing a boost to the atmosphere, supporters will be watching closely to see how Moyes rotates or adapts his lineup. Any absences could force further tactical adjustments, particularly given the club’s recent history of dealing with defensive vulnerabilities.
Everton’s unbeaten run has provided a platform for optimism, yet the reality of a thin squad means every player’s fitness carries extra weight. Moyes continues to focus on the immediate task of driving the team forward, with the Chelsea match offering an opportunity to demonstrate resilience under pressure. The coming days will reveal more about the extent of these injury issues and how they shape Everton’s approach to the game.