Everton boss Sean Dyche now drops Dwight McNeil injury update in ‘calm’ verdict

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Sean Dyche has provided an injury update on Dwight McNeil after he was stretchered off in Everton’s draw with Crystal Palace.

Everton travelled to Selhurst Park in the FA Cup third round last night, playing out a dull 0-0 stalemate in which the only talking point was a controversial red card for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Toffees’ striker was dismissed for a studs-up challenge on Nathaniel Clyne with only ten minutes to go. The tackle was looked at by VAR and Calvert-Lewin was eventually sent off, receiving a three-match ban.

Fans were left extremely frustrated with the decision, with former boxer Tony Bellew claiming the VAR verdict was ‘disgraceful’.

While all the talk across social media was Calvert-Lewin’s red card, Everton fans will also be left concerned by Dwight McNeil‘s substitution.

Shortly after Calvert-Lewin was dismissed, McNeil had to be stretchered off after his ankle appeared to get trapped under a teammate’s leg. The winger looked in a lot of discomfort as he was taken off the pitch by the medical staff, with The Athletic journalist Paddy Boyland admitting that it ‘does not look good’.

However, there may be a bit of hope for Everton. Sean Dyche provided an update after the game and admitted it was ‘better’ than first thought.

Speaking to the media, the Toffees manager said: “He is OK and we’ll just let that settle down.

“The immediate sign is better than we thought. It’s an ankle injury.

“It’s early but Dwight is in the dressing room and calm, which is a good sign. Hopefully it’s a swollen ankle, but it’s too early to tell.”

Who can fill in for Dwight McNeil?

Dwight McNeil has been an important player for Everton this season, picking up two goals and three assists in their last seven games in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old’s absence would undeniably be a major loss for Sean Dyche’s side and could weaken their attack dramatically.

As per WhoScored, McNeil has so far had the second-most shots in the squad (31), the joint-most successful dribbles (15) and the most key passes (27).

Everton aren’t full of options on the left flank, with Arnaut Danjuma the only player likely to take his place. However, the Dutchman has already been linked with a premature exit from Goodison Park.

It will be interesting to see if McNeil’s injury changes plans for Danjuma’s future, or whether The Toffees will be willing to wait it out if the problem isn’t too serious.