Harry Diamond 01/05/2026 20comments  |  Jump to last

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

David Moyes has confirmed that Beto is fit and available to face Manchester City on Monday night. The forward missed last weekend’s defeat at West Ham after sustaining a concussion during last month’s Merseyside derby defeat. 

The injury halted an improved run of form for the 28-year-old, who had scored five goals in his previous six Premier League appearances.

“Yes, he’s had to go through the protocol for concussion, which was correct, so he’s gone through that period and has been training,” Moyes told the media on Friday.

After a period out of favour earlier in the season, Beto has regained his place in the side across the run-in. He has dislodged Thierno Barry as Everton’s first-choice forward, with his eight league goals a squad-high figure, alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Moyes has credited the attitude and application of Guineau-Bissau international, revealing his demand for extra sessions in a bid to improve. A decision is set to be made on Beto’s future this summer, as the forward enters the final 12 months of his deal.

“Even today, he’s always asking if he can do better. Other staff members work with him individually, as well, because that’s what he wants. He wants extra work, he wants to be better.

“It’s great when you work with people who are always trying to improve.”

No new Everton injury issues ahead of Manchester City clash

Beto’s return boosts the Blues, who are otherwise unchanged in terms of team news. Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish remained sidelined with season-ending injuries.

“At the moment, everything is as we are,” Moyes added when asked about teams news for the Manchester City clash.

“Like (always), we have a few knocks and niggles, so we’ll just have to see how we are come Monday night.”

 

Reader Comments (20)

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Christy Ring
1 Posted 01/05/2026 at 16:00:09
You have to credit Beto for putting extra hours in, and the staff.

Does Barry do the same, I wonder?

Duncan McDine
2 Posted 01/05/2026 at 16:10:09
I get the impression that you already know the answer to that question, Christy!
Anthony O'Sullivan
3 Posted 01/05/2026 at 17:20:11
I get the impression Barry barely finishes the normal training session.
Martin Berry
4 Posted 01/05/2026 at 18:38:21
I really think Beto will be with us next season whereas Barry will return to France. I thought Beto has shown improved performances recently, especially his hold up play.

Additionally, he must be difficult to play against due to his physicality. I don't believe Man City are waterproof in defence either and I think he will get chances.

Paul Hewitt
5 Posted 01/05/2026 at 19:27:26
Let's get some decent attacking fullbacks, letting the wide players to move inside to help out Beto.

I'm convinced he will score goals if that happens.

Frank Fearns
6 Posted 01/05/2026 at 19:27:52
Moyes left Barry on for the full 90 last week so there's no reason why he shouldn't do the same with Beto.

I just hope he doesn't resort to the usual tactics of bringing Barry on for the last 10 minutes -- what is the point? By now, Moyes should know that it doesn't achieve anything.
Tony Abrahams
7 Posted 01/05/2026 at 19:52:47
Moyes, isn't stupid, Paul, there is no way he his going to get attacking fullbacks until he gets more pace into the middle of his defence.

Phase 1 is now complete, so let's see how things develop in the summer when we hopefully move onto both Phase 2 and Phase 3.

But this will only happen if we sign some better players in the positions that we need them the most.

Brendan McLaughlin
8 Posted 01/05/2026 at 19:57:49
Tony #7

You think there's a strategy somewhere in the transfer bedlam then?

Does Phase 2 and indeed Phase 3 include or need Moyes?
Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 01/05/2026 at 20:17:33
If there isn't a strategy (even though it hasn't looked like the people who matter the most with regards recruitment, are genuinely aligned) then god help us, Brendan.

I just think it's common sense to realise that there's no use having expansive ful-backs without having pace in the middle of the defence.

I think we have got some very good players in our squad and this gives me the belief that, if we sign a few more good players, then this usually helps a squad (David, does worry me when I use the word 'squad') go through the gears at least a little bit quicker. (Sometimes it can be a lot quicker -- hopefully!)

Brendan McLaughlin
10 Posted 01/05/2026 at 20:36:16
Tony #9

My take on last summer's recruitment is that Moyes couldn't entice his first or even second choice options to Everton. He said as much himself.

So he went for the youth that wouldn't feature this season but maybe will pay dividends in the future.
Tony Abrahams
11 Posted 01/05/2026 at 20:45:50
Hopefully Brendan. I'd love this to happen and like a scratched record (it is the most important detail regarding David though!) I just hope that our manager proves me wrong.

I hope he starts working to create a genuinely competitive squad, rather than just working with his chosen 14/15, whenever this has ever been possible to him throughout his managerial career.

John Keating
12 Posted 01/05/2026 at 22:07:15
Beto is bad; however, compared to Barry he's a world beater. I also think he'll be here next season.

As for Barry, I'd ship him out the day the transfer window opens! If anyone would have him?

Paul Kernot
13 Posted 01/05/2026 at 22:55:09
He could add pace without changing the back line by putting Braiden Graham on for the last 20 minutes instead of his usual switch to put Barry on.

He won't of course which only adds fuel to the fire re the question above: Should Moyes feature in Phase 2 - 3?

Mike Gaynes
14 Posted 02/05/2026 at 07:20:30
Tony #9: "I just think it's common sense to realise that there's no use having expansive fullbacks, without having pace in the middle of the defence..."

Absolutely 100% spot on.

Without speed in the middle of defense, attacking fullbacks can't attack -- they leave huge holes behind them.

That's why I wrote that Branthwaite's injury changes the entire direction of the club's summer window. With his reliability suspect, and Tarks and Keane both slowing even more, signing at least one swift, talented centre-back to pair with O'Brien is now an even higher priority than a starting right back. Especially if we reach the Conference League or make a Cup run or both.
Darren Hind
15 Posted 02/05/2026 at 07:39:08
That was Seamus's achilles heel. Swashbuckling going forward. He would bomb on, but would leave space behind him.

I watched top teams target it for years from the Top Balcony.
Darren Hind
16 Posted 02/05/2026 at 07:42:01
How come we always talk about Moyes's signings and players he can attract, but then distance him from every signing that doesn't work out?
Eric Myles
17 Posted 02/05/2026 at 09:16:00
Mike #14, but to play O'Brien with Branthwaite in the centre of defence, we need to sign a right back, 'cos it's O'Brien's starting position.

Unless you'd be happy with Garner there instead?

Christy Ring
18 Posted 02/05/2026 at 14:47:46
It’s unreal that we’re discussing Beto and Darren still has to use the forum to criticise Seamus??
Darren Hind
19 Posted 02/05/2026 at 15:28:59
Actually the two posters (Mike and Tony) were discussing full backs leaving space behind them so the thread had drifted long before I came along. I lost count of the number of times I saw Seamus found out doing that. So he belonged in the conversation
Sukhdev Sohal
20 Posted 02/05/2026 at 20:20:01
Beto has scored about 25 goals for us. For a 25 mil signing that's fairly decent, and he's been benched half the time for DCL and Barry. I wish we had proper wingers to create good chances for him. We've needed a pacey natural right winger for about 9 years. Last good ones we had were Deulofeu and Mirallas.

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