Moyes Reveals Everton Team News & Red Card Appeal Ahead Of Newcastle Clash

David Moyes has confirmed Everton had an appeal against Idrissa Gana Gueye's red card against Manchester United rejected ahead of this weekend's clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues host the Magpies at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening (5.30pm GMT kick-off), looking to make it three consecutive Premier League wins after victories – and clean sheets – against Fulham and Manchester United either side of the final international break of 2025.

But the Blues will do so without Club captain Coleman, who suffered a "small" hamstring injury at Old Trafford, and midfielder Gana, after the Premier League refused to overturn the straight red card shown by referee Tony Harrington on the night.

Moyes revealed he doesn't expect to have summer signing Merlin Röhl available again until "the start of January" following a procedure to fix a hernia issue, while Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) also remains sidelined and Nathan Patterson (foot and hernia) is still working his way back to full fitness.

Speaking in Friday's pre-match press conference at Finch Farm, Moyes said: "We have appealed [Gana's red card] and our appeal was turned down. We haven't been given any reason why it was turned down, but we did appeal it – immediately.

"Yes, we are [light in midfield]. Merlin having an operation has made us light, so we are quite short but we have other people who can play in there – Charly Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil if we need to as well. I think those players can do the job in there, if required.

"Merlin probably isn't going to be back until the start of January and Idrissa's suspension [and forthcoming AFCON participation] leaves us pretty short in that area.

"Seamus has got a small injury. We don't think it's too bad but he just felt his hamstring early in the game, which was really disappointing from his point of view and ours. Jarrad is still on the way back and Patto as well."

Asked whether he could consider recalling Academy graduate Harrison Armstrong early from a so-far productive loan spell with Championship side Preston North End, Moyes added: "I'm really happy with how Harrison is doing. He's coming on great. I think Preston would be hugely disappointed if we took him back, but he's also got an injury at the moment as well. He's been out of the past few games with an injury at Preston. Hopefully he's due back very shortly.

"We'll consider it in January but, at the moment, I think him getting the games with the age he's at and his performances... Preston will hopefully have a really good chance of making the play-offs and I think, for him, it'll be a good level to be playing at."

The Opposition

Eddie Howe's side make their first trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of a mixed week, which has included an impressive 2-1 home victory over Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat to French side Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Magpies will be without Yoane Wissa, who has not yet made an appearance for the club due to a knee issue after sealing a summer move from Brentford.

Kieran Trippier and William Osula are also expected to be unavailable through injury.