The Merseyside Derby, a fixture steeped in history and passion, is set to take place on February 12, 2025, at Goodison Park. As Everton and Liverpool prepare to face off, both teams are contending with significant injury concerns that could influence their strategies and performance. This article provides an in-depth look at the current injury statuses for both clubs and analyzes the potential impact on the upcoming derby.
Everton’s Injury Concerns
Everton enters the derby with several key players sidelined due to injuries:
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Thigh Injury): The striker has been absent since late January due to a thigh issue and remains unavailable for selection.
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Dwight McNeil (Knee Injury): McNeil underwent minor knee surgery in December and is not expected to return to action until late February or early March.
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Armando Broja (Ankle Ligament Injury): The forward is recovering from an ankle injury sustained earlier in the season and is targeting a return in March.
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Youssef Chermiti (Thigh Injury): Chermiti has been dealing with a thigh problem that has kept him out of action for several weeks, with no definitive return date.
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Seamus Coleman (Calf Injury): The veteran right-back has been sidelined since December with a calf issue and remains unavailable.
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Nathan Patterson (Knock): Patterson is a doubt for the derby after sustaining a knock in a recent match.
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Vitalii Mykolenko (Calf Strain): The Ukrainian left-back missed Everton’s recent FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth due to a calf strain. Manager David Moyes indicated that Mykolenko reported calf tightness on the morning of the game, and his availability for the derby remains uncertain.
Liverpool’s Injury Concerns
Liverpool also faces injury challenges ahead of the derby:
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Joe Gomez (Hamstring Injury): Gomez made his first appearance of 2025 in the FA Cup match against Plymouth Argyle but was forced off after just 10 minutes due to a hamstring injury. Manager Arne Slot confirmed that Gomez will not be available for the derby and expressed concern as it is the same leg where Gomez had a previous injury.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (Thigh Injury): Alexander-Arnold has missed Liverpool’s last two matches due to a thigh injury. He participated in parts of a recent training session, and a decision on his involvement in the derby will be made after assessing his condition. Slot stated, “Trent has done parts of training sessions with us… He will train, hopefully, with us again and then we have to decide if we take him to the game.”
Impact on Team Selection and Tactics
The absences and doubts surrounding key players will necessitate adjustments from both managers:
Everton:
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Defensive Adjustments: With Coleman and potentially Patterson unavailable, Moyes may rely on Ashley Young to fill the right-back position. If Mykolenko is unfit, Young could switch to left-back, with another option considered for the right.
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Attacking Options: The injuries to Calvert-Lewin, Broja, and Chermiti limit Everton’s attacking options. Beto is expected to lead the line, with support from midfielders like Abdoulaye Doucouré and Iliman Ndiaye.
Liverpool:
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Defensive Lineup: If Alexander-Arnold is deemed unfit, Conor Bradley may continue at right-back. The center-back pairing is likely to consist of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk, given Gomez’s absence.
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Midfield and Attack: Slot is expected to field a strong midfield trio, potentially featuring Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. The attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Cody Gakpo is anticipated to start, aiming to capitalize on Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Injuries to key players on both sides add an extra layer of complexity to the Merseyside Derby. The availability of players like Alexander-Arnold and Mykolenko could significantly influence the tactical approaches and potential outcomes of the match. Both teams will need to adapt to these challenges as they vie for crucial points in this historic encounter.
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