Everton Selection Bombshell: Moyes’ Comments Clear Up the Mystery Around the Right-Back Situation — Without Even Naming the Player!

Everton Selection Bombshell: Moyes’ Comments Clear Up the Mystery Around the Right-Back Situation — Without Even Naming the Player!

Everton find themselves heading into Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest facing a host of difficult lineup dilemmas. Injuries have been a constant theme throughout the season, with key defender Jarrad Branthwaite still yet to play a single minute since signing his new contract.

During his Friday media duties, David Moyes outlined which members of his squad were likely to be available, an update that comes after Tim Iroegbunam earned a one-match suspension in midweek against Bournemouth.

With the January transfer window approaching, Everton’s depth is clearly being stretched thin.

Although it remains uncertain who Moyes will name in his starting XI, one thing appears to have become clearer: the right-back situation, and what it means for the player many fans have been discussing.

Moyes Sends a Strong Message—Without Naming Names

Looking ahead to the Forest match, Moyes expressed frustration about losing Iroegbunam to suspension. He also hinted at the complications caused by Michael Keane’s continued injury struggles.

Jake O’Brien is expected to be a candidate to play on the right side of defence, and Moyes’ comments made it apparent where he stands on the pecking order—despite never directly referencing the obvious player in question.

“He’s naturally a centre-back, and that’s not his usual position,” Moyes said. “But to play at centre-back, he’d have to dislodge Tarky, Jarrad or Keano. It’s a challenge for him.

Still, with how he played the other night—and with us short on right-backs—he might be the best option we have.”

The player whose future fans have been debating has recently returned to training after another injury setback and even made the bench earlier this week. However, hearing the manager suggest a centre-half is a stronger choice at right-back sends a clear signal.

Final Chance to Change the Narrative?

With Keane’s fitness uncertain, Everton’s starting defence for Saturday is anyone’s guess. James Garner filled in at right-back against Bournemouth but will be needed in midfield due to Iroegbunam’s absence.

Moyes is now left juggling several positional headaches, and the future of the sidelined right-back could come into sharp focus if he is overlooked yet again despite being the only senior option available in that position.

Regardless of how the situation unfolds this weekend, it’s becoming increasingly obvious which areas Everton will need to strengthen when the summer window arrives.