David Moyes is going to be forced into making some changes to his starting XI for the game on Saturday against Arsenal.
After some really encouraging results over recent weeks, Everton were brought crashing back down to earth at the weekend against Chelsea.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suffered a hamstring injury in the early stages of his return to Stamford Bridge, but that was not the only blow.
After the game, Moyes confirmed Grealish also sustained a hamstring issue in the final minutes of the game.
Although neither player is yet to be ruled out of Arsenal’s visit on Saturday, there won’t be many expecting to see the duo.
And this could well see summer signing Tyler Dibling receive what would be just his second start of the season in the Premier League.
David Moyes has already mooted how Tyler Dibling ahead of Arsenal
Alan Stubbs has backed Dibling to pick up some opportunities over the coming weeks, with Iliman Ndiaye also absent as he represents Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 19-year-old has barely been used by Moyes this season but now faces a crucial role in the starting XI for the next month or so.
Speaking to The Guardian back in October, Moyes shared exactly what he is expecting from Dibling when his opportunity arises.
What would your message to Tyler Dibling be ahead of Arsenal? 🫣
His lack of involvement this season is maddening!
“I want Tyler to score goals as well. You need your wide players to score goals and we could name one or two not far from here who do that,” said Moyes.
“We need to try and get that as well. I am getting Tyler in that frame of mind if I can. But I want him to look at Jack, how he plays, how composed he is on the ball. I have to say that Tyler has really impressed me with his close skills and ability.”
Former Everton defender Tony Hibbert has urged Dibling to remain patient for his opportunity to impress Moyes.
Well, it seems as if that opportunity is now just hours away and the 62-year-old has already made his demands for Dibling clear going into the game.
Dibling needs to make an instant impact for Everton
Since signing for big money over the summer, Dibling has suffered from a real lack of minutes in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher does not think Moyes trusts Dibling just yet, but he is now set to be left no other choice but to put his faith in the youngster.
How would you describe David Moyes’ handling of Tyler Dibling so far? 😕
He's made just one league start ahead of Arsenal…
The issue now is that Dibling is being put into a situation where Everton are going to need him to provide an instant impact.
Against Arsenal, Everton could well be without Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye; three of Everton’s top scorers this season.
With Thierno Barry also struggling for consistency in front of goal, Dibling, given his £45m price tag, is going to need to make an impact despite his lack of minutes so far this season.
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