Everton Boss Delivers Team News Update

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Mason Holgate and Andre Gomes are fit and available for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Goodison Park (6pm).

Holgate has missed Everton’s past two matches with a shin injury, while an ankle problem meant Gomes was forced to sit out the Blues’ game at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Yerry Mina will not be available for Thursday’s game, however, after sustaining a muscle injury midway through the first half at Molineux.

Fabian Delph remains sidelined with a muscle problem.

Everton's only other absentees are Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who is continuing his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, and Cenk Tosun (anterior cruciate ligament).


Mina's injury against Wolves - coupled with Holgate's absence - meant a first senior Everton appearance for teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who was introduced as a half-time substitute in the west Midlands.

Branthwaite, 18, joined Everton from boyhood club Carlisle United in January and featured for David Unsworth's Under-23s before the young Blues' season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He has trained regularly with the Everton first team since the squad's return to USM Finch Farm after lockdown - and Ancelotti says he has been impressed with the youngster’s attitude and ability.

"He has quality," said the Italian, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference.

"We don't have to put a lot of pressure on him. He has to improve. He is a really humble guy, his character is good. For sure, he is going to improve and he will be part of the squad in the future.

"I think [against Wolves] he showed his quality and his limit in experience.

"He went on the pitch and we conceded a goal on a set-piece but after that he showed personality. He was not afraid with the ball. He is an intelligent player."