Everton boss Marco Silva has confirmed that key midfielder Idrissa Gueye is a doubt for their Premier League clash v Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Gueye limped off after scoring a rare goal during Senegal’s 3-0 win over Sudan at the weekend, and is now doubtful to face the Eagles at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Silva did not rule out mainstay Gueye playing on Sunday, with the club set to assess his recovery in the next two days, as quoted by Liverpool Echo journalist Adam Jones on Twitter.
Silva confirms Gueye has an issue, but everyone else has come back from the international break in good condition
— Adam Jones (@Adam_Jones94) October 19, 2018
Silva says Gueye is getting better, and he'll take tomorrow and Sunday to decide if the midfielder will play this weekend
— Adam Jones (@Adam_Jones94) October 19, 2018
OPINION
This is a major blow for the Toffees ahead of Sunday’s clash, with Gueye being a key part of their starting XI. The Senegal international provides energetic cover in front of the back four, and is a key cog in their midfield. It was always a worry that the 29-year-old would miss this weekend after his injury blow playing for Senegal, and it does look like he faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of a struggling Eagles side. If he does miss out it will, as mentioned, be a blow, but it is one which you would hope the club can manage. There are plenty of other options in midfield for Silva to choose from, including summer signing Andre Gomes, with the Portugal international now possibly fit after several months out with a pre-existing injury. Seeing him run out for the club will be an exciting moment when it happens, and hopefully that can be this weekend if Gueye does miss out.