Coleman injury hands Everton defensive headache

, 13 August, 10comments | Jump to most recent

Everton were dealt a significant blow on the eve of the season with the news that Seamus Coleman will be missing for the next few matches.

The Irishman was a doubt for today's season-opener against Tottenham Hotspur with an ankle injury and tests have now confirmed that he will be out of action for longer than just this weekend.

Ronald Koeman delivered the news before kick-off that Coleman will be sidelined for "several weeks", a development that complicates the Dutchman's plans because the Blues have no experienced cover at the right-back position.

The manager had indicated previously that he expects to sign a maximum of four players before this month's transfer deadline, with a winger, another centre half, a striker and goalkeeper assumed to be his priorities so it's unclear if he will change his plans given the Coleman news.

Koeman opted for a back three in the 1-1 draw with Spurs, with James McCarthy and then substitute Tom Cleverley deployed in the right wing-back role and Mason Holgate selected in the centre.

Reader Comments (10)

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Gordon Crawford
1 Posted 13/08/2016 at 17:14:54

Great, that's just awesome news, not. I don't know where we are getting all these replacement players from. Speedy recovery Coleman.

Adolf Ng
2 Posted 13/08/2016 at 18:41:27

If Hibbert did not moan in front of the press he might get a contract now...lol

Danny Broderick
4 Posted 13/08/2016 at 20:28:59

No biggie. Mason Holgate can deputise. We are crying out for a striker after seeing KonÃ© replacing a tiring Deulofeu up front today!

Anthony Dwyer
5 Posted 13/08/2016 at 20:43:08

It was a great opportunity for Holgate, Connolly or one of the other youngsters to get some minutes, but the sooner we're up to full strength, the better.

Seamus is one of our stronger players.

Trevor Lynes
6 Posted 13/08/2016 at 21:13:34

Holgate played in the middle and McCarthy covered the right back vacancy.

Andy Meighan
8 Posted 13/08/2016 at 21:34:42

Holgate was brilliant today alongside Barry, zGueye and Jags... well, at least for an hour. Ronald will sort this out in no time.

Damian Wilde
9 Posted 13/08/2016 at 22:03:49

No biggie? We desperately need him back. Holgate did okay, but he ain't no Coleman is he?

Mike Gaynes
10 Posted 13/08/2016 at 22:40:50

I thought Holgate did a fine job – until he committed the two mistakes that produced Spurs' goal. His poor clearance started their attack and then he let Lamela get in front of him.

Overall a fine effort from him and McCarthy on that side, but Seamus will definitely be missed.

Paul Conway
11 Posted 14/08/2016 at 09:26:20

One of the rare gems Koeman inherited from the old regime is 'famous Seamus'. He has been the most consistent and reliable player over these past few seasons. He has given his salt for the shirt and is very influential.

Not a 'hands on hips' merchant and I would imagine he figures strongly in the Gaffer's plans. Hope he makes a quick recovery.

Jeff Armstrong
13 Posted 15/08/2016 at 17:06:05

I thought Jonjoe Kenny did the best covering job in the right back position a couple of times at the end of last season.

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