Seven players set to miss Everton vs Liverpool after devastating new injury blow
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
SportFootballMerseyside derbyWe take a look at the Everton and Liverpool players who are either ruled out or are doubtful for Sunday's Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson StadiumThis Sunday's Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has a lot riding on it.Historic in itself given it will be the first time the eternal rivals have faced each other at the Blues' new Hill Dickinson Stadium home, it is a match both need to win.While Liverpool are still licking their wounds after their Champions League campaign was ended by holders Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, the last round of fixtures in the Premier League could not have gone much better for Arne Slot's side.After the defending champions returned to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Fulham at Anfield, their main rivals for a Champions League spot, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United, all dropped points.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageThat means the Reds sit four points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and within two of fourth-placed Villa and three of third-placed United in the battle for Champions League qualification.But an Everton victory this weekend would put them firmly in the mix for a top-five finish.The eighth-placed Blues picked up what could be a precious point last weekend after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck in injury-time to snatch a 2-2 draw at seventh-placed Brentford.That result left both teams locked on 47 points, one behind Chelsea and four behind Liverpool following the victory over Fulham.So, as we say, there will be a lot to play for on the Mersey waterfront come 2pm on Sunday.FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB pageBut how are the respective squads looking?For Liverpool, their injuries go from bad to worse after Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off against PSG in midweek.The Reds confirmed on Friday that the France international has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will therefore be ruled out of the reminder of the Premier League season and this summer's World Cup.Ekitike joins fellow long-term injuries victims Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo on the sidelines.They will all miss the match against the Blues and there is a doubt over first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, too.The Brazil international has been out with a hamstring injury for a month and, while he is expected to return to action this month, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to face Everton, whose only confirmed absentee is Jack Grealish.However, the derby could come too early for fellow midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, despite returning to training.Liverpool head coach Slot will hold his press conference at 9am on Friday. His counterpart David Moyes will follow at 1.30pm.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Everton FCLiverpool FCBarclay's Premier LeagueMerseyside Derby gameMerseyside derby