Everton team news

Everton F.C. manager David Moyes has confirmed that experienced midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye will miss Everton’s crucial Premier League trip to Crystal Palace F.C. on Sunday.

The Toffees travel to Selhurst Park with hopes of strengthening their push for European qualification as the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches its final weeks. Everton currently have only three matches remaining and every point could prove vital in the race for a top-seven finish.

Idrissa Gana Gueye Still Recovering

Gueye was absent during Everton’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester City F.C. at Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this week. Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Moyes revealed the Senegal international is improving but not yet ready to return to training.

Moyes said the injury is not considered serious, which offers encouragement for Everton supporters ahead of the closing stages of the campaign.

The Everton manager explained that Gueye is “fine” overall, but the midfielder still needs additional recovery time before rejoining full training sessions. The club remains optimistic he could return before the season concludes.

Gueye has been one of Everton’s most reliable performers this season. His energy, defensive awareness, and leadership in midfield have played a major role in the club’s strong league form under Moyes.

Everton Injury Update: Grealish and Branthwaite Remain Out

Everton are also without Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite for the trip to Crystal Palace.

Grealish continues to recover from a stress fracture in his foot, while Branthwaite remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. Moyes confirmed that neither player is expected back in the immediate future.

The Everton boss provided a positive update regarding Grealish’s rehabilitation, revealing the winger is now out of the protective boot and has increased his training workload significantly.

Moyes also praised Grealish’s popularity within the squad and among supporters, suggesting the player has settled well at the club despite his injury setbacks.

Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl Impress Against Manchester City

With Gueye unavailable, Everton turned to younger midfield options against Manchester City, and both Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl delivered impressive performances.

Moyes admitted the pair have given him “something to think about” ahead of the Crystal Palace fixture.

Iroegbunam showed composure and physicality in midfield, while Röhl continued adapting to the pace and intensity of Premier League football. Their energetic displays helped Everton secure a valuable point against the reigning champions.

The Everton manager highlighted that Gueye and James Garner have formed a dependable midfield partnership throughout much of the season, but the recent performances from the younger players have increased competition for starting places.

Crystal Palace Reach Europa Conference League Final

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace enter Sunday’s contest in high spirits after reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final with a victory over FC Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday night.

The Eagles will hope to carry that momentum into their Premier League meeting with Everton at Selhurst Park.

However, Palace could still be without several important players. Eddie Nketiah is expected to miss the match, while Evann Guessand, Cheick Doucouré, and Borna Sosa all face late fitness assessments.

Everton Target Important Away Victory

Everton know a victory against Crystal Palace could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for European competition next season. Moyes has transformed the club’s consistency and belief during the current campaign, and supporters will be eager to see the team finish strongly.

Despite several injury concerns, Everton’s recent performances suggest they remain capable of competing with any side in the division. The emergence of younger talents like Iroegbunam and Röhl has also provided valuable squad depth during a demanding run-in.

Sunday’s clash at Selhurst Park promises to be an important encounter for both clubs as the Premier League season nears its dramatic conclusion.