Everton will miss Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the clash against Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
The 27-year-old midfielder suffered a hamstring issue against his former side Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge and had to be taken off. Manager David Moyes, however, refused to put a timescale on the length of his absence in the pre-match press conference.
“Kiernan is doing well. But not available for the game. He'll be a big miss for us, but that's what happens this time of year. Every club has injuries or suspensions,” said Moyes.
Asked about when Dewsbury-Hall might return, he said, "We have (a timescale) but I'm not telling you."
Dewsbury-Hall had earlier shared a picture of himself coming off the pitch with a caption, "A little blip. See you all soon."
Meanwhile, Merlin Röhl, signed from Freiburg on Deadline Day, is back in training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a hernia operation. Jack Grealish, who had complained of discomfort in his hamstring during the 2-0 loss to Chelsea in London, is also fine and will be available against Arsenal this weekend.
“Merlin is back. He's been training and hopefully he'll be back available for the game. Jack is okay. Jack will be fit and available to play [against Arsenal], yes," added Moyes.
Asked about a potential recall for Harrison Armstrong from his impressive loan spell at Preston North End, Moyes remarked, "It is getting much more closer to a possibility and we'll certainly consider it."
Everton will also miss the Senegalese duo of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Club captain Seamus Coleman remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Jarrad Branthwaite is still working his way back after missing the entire season so far.
Reader Comments (10)
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2 Posted 19/12/2025 at 15:23:16
3 Posted 19/12/2025 at 17:03:48
Will be interesting to see if Patterson, McNeil or Dibling get on the pitch over the next 2 games.
4 Posted 19/12/2025 at 20:05:18
I'm not completely opposed to McNeil being in the team, but he must be deployed in the Number 10 role, which is by far his best position. This would of course mean Alcaraz moving out to the right which isn't brilliant but it's a much better option than McNeil playing there where he's always been nothing short of atrocious. McNeil is the best we have on set pieces though, and has a lovely left foot. He was actually in good form too, playing in the Number 10 role, before he got injured.
I don't think it sends out a great message to Dibling himself, or our recruitment staff though, to not start him when our squad is as depleted as it is. Let's remember, the best part of £40M was spent on him and the narrative all over the summer period was we were in desperate need for a right winger. It's not as if we're like Chelsea who can stockpile young talent in the hope they will come good.
We have a small squad and are hampered by PSR so when a large sum of money is spent on a player, they need to be able to contribute to the team in the here and now.
5 Posted 19/12/2025 at 21:05:34
And I'm taking my ball home with me because you called me fat.
6 Posted 19/12/2025 at 21:51:28
He should definitely get some minutes as he has largely impressed when he's played.
I'd also play Dibling. He's got to be given his chance. I like McNeil but I don't see the point in playing him on the right side where he's at his weakest.
7 Posted 19/12/2025 at 00:02:29
The problems largely came from overambitious passes and perhaps underestimating Premier League intensity. If he is given an obvious outlet, I think he can execute well given time.
We need a closedown artist since Gana is absent. We don't have another option; or we will see blue shirts chasing the ball most of the match. The only question is, how will he hold up at that level of intensity.
8 Posted 20/12/2025 at 10:31:54
I found that weird too, PG. He's either being very petty or Dewsbury-Hall is in the team tonight!
Here's hoping it's the latter!
9 Posted 21/12/2025 at 05:31:52
I'd get Neil Warnock in as fireman before it's too late. As Yazz sang, 'the only way is down'. Adrian Heath is also available, someone else who did a good job at the Blades.
10 Posted 22/12/2025 at 08:27:50
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1 Posted 19/12/2025 at 15:03:01
If so Grealish starts, Merlin Rohl a 75-80 min sub.
Interesting to see who starts on right wing.