Everton manager Sean Dyche is facing a significant player shortage ahead of their Premier League match against Tottenham on Saturday, with potentially only 14 senior players available.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Brighton in their season opener, Everton continues to struggle with player availability.
Dyche acknowledged the team is “stretched” and working to get several players back to full fitness.
The situation has worsened with stand-in captain James Tarkowski becoming a doubt for the upcoming game, while Ashley Young is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton.
Other players like Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, and James Garner are in various stages of recovery, with some just returning to group training.
Nathan Patterson is still recuperating from hamstring surgery, and recent signing Youssef Chermiti is sidelined after a minor foot operation.
Dyche described the situation as an “ongoing challenge,” made more difficult by limited financial resources to address these issues.
The manager also mentioned that there were no updates on takeover rumors linking Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor with Everton.
He added that further transfer activity before the window closes is unlikely, stating that the club seems “steadfast” with the work already done, though he didn’t rule out potential changes given the unpredictable nature of football.
Overall, Dyche faces a challenging situation with limited player options and financial constraints as Everton prepares for their match against Tottenham.