Everton’s Injury Woes have deepened, according to manager David Moyes, who provided a comprehensive injury update during a pre-match press conference held at Finch Farm on Friday, September 12, 2025. The news casts a shadow over the team’s preparations for their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, but also shines a light on a potential England debut for James Garner.
Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined
Defensive Concerns
Moyes expressed significant concern regarding the fitness of several key players, particularly in defense. According to Moyes’s statements at the press conference, Jarrad Branthwaite, a key centre-back, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in August. Despite progressing in his recovery on the training pitch, Branthwaite is still “a few weeks” away from a full return, as stated by Moyes. This extended absence means he will continue to miss crucial competitive matches for Everton.
Adding to the defensive worries, Vitalii Mykolenko is also a doubt for the Aston Villa game. Mykolenko withdrew from international duty with Ukraine due to a groin issue he felt following the Wolves game, according to the club’s medical staff. His availability remains uncertain, leaving Moyes with limited options at the back.
Midfield and Attack
The injury problems extend beyond the defense. Attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye returned from international duty with Senegal carrying a knock, making him a doubt for Saturday’s match against Aston Villa. Moyes confirmed Ndiaye’s injury during the press conference, highlighting the challenges it presents to the team’s attacking options. The Everton manager will have to consider alternative strategies to compensate for Ndiaye’s potential absence.
There was some positive news on the injury front, however. Adam Aznou, recovering from an ankle injury, and Nathan Patterson, who had been dealing with a hernia, have both resumed full training. Despite this progress, Moyes indicated that neither player is yet considered “match-ready” to play, meaning they are unlikely to feature in the immediate future. Their return to training provides a boost to squad morale and offers hope for increased squad depth in the coming weeks.
Garner’s England Hopes Soar
Amidst the injury concerns, Moyes took the opportunity to single out James Garner for special praise, fueling speculation about a potential England call-up. According to reports from LiverpoolWorld, Liverpool Echo, and BirminghamWorld, Garner has been a “standout performer” for Everton this season. His versatility has been particularly impressive, with Garner excelling in an unfamiliar left-back role due to defensive absences, as well as in his preferred central midfield position.
Moyes’s endorsement of Garner for a senior England call-up underscores the midfielder’s exceptional form and growing influence within the Everton squad. This public backing could significantly enhance Garner’s chances of earning international recognition for future England squads, building upon his previous success with the England Under-21s. Garner’s consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, and an England debut could be on the horizon.
Tactical Implications and Squad Selection
The injury news has a direct and significant impact on Everton’s squad selection for the upcoming match against Aston Villa. Moyes faces the challenge of reshuffling his lineup, particularly in defense, where options are limited due to the absences of Branthwaite and the uncertainty surrounding Mykolenko. The continued absence of Branthwaite and doubts over Ndiaye and Mykolenko pose a considerable tactical challenge as Everton aims to maintain their positive momentum following recent victories.
Moyes will need to carefully assess his available resources and devise a strategy that maximizes the team’s strengths while mitigating the impact of the injuries. This may involve deploying players in unfamiliar positions or relying on younger members of the squad to step up and fill the gaps. The return to training for Aznou and Patterson, while not immediate solutions, offers a glimmer of hope for increased squad depth in the coming weeks, providing Moyes with additional options as the season progresses.
Moyes’s Strategic Headache
The Everton manager faces a strategic headache in assembling a competitive lineup for the Aston Villa clash. The injury crisis necessitates creative solutions and tactical adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive. Moyes’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating these challenges and guiding Everton to a positive result.
According to Everton Football Club, Moyes is known for his ability to adapt to difficult situations and find innovative solutions. This resilience will be vital as he seeks to overcome the current injury setbacks and maintain Everton’s momentum in the Premier League.
Conclusion
In summary, Everton faces significant challenges ahead of their match against Aston Villa due to a string of injuries affecting key players. While the injury situation presents difficulties, the emergence of James Garner as a standout performer offers a silver lining, potentially paving the way for an England debut. Moyes’s tactical flexibility and ability to adapt will be crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring Everton remains competitive in the Premier League.
