Moyes Reveals Everton Team News For Derby Clash

Everton are without any new injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby. 

Sunday’s (2pm BST) clash with Liverpool is the first derby to be held at Everton’s waterfront home Hill Dickinson Stadium – and manager David Moyes has provided a positive team news update ahead of the fixture.

Charly Alcaraz is available for selection, said Moyes, explaining the Argentinian has returned to fitness after being sidelined through injury since February.

Long-term absentee Jack Grealish remains unavailable through a foot injury.

“Charly Alcaraz is back and back training now,” Moyes told the media in his pre-match press conference. “I think we’re as much close to [fully fit] as we can be.”

Victory for Everton against their local rivals would see the Blues climb to two points off fifth-placed Liverpool.

Currently in eighth, Moyes says his side are up for the challenging of finishing among the European places as they take on their final six games of the season.

“Well, if they don’t rise to it, then I don’t know what they’d rise to,” added Moyes. “Over the years, if it’s having a last game of the season and avoiding relegation, then that’s nothing to celebrate, really. 

“I don’t think you can be a team in the relegation zone and just surviving. I think you can celebrate winning trophies or challenging for Europe, so I hope they can enjoy this side of it rather than the side we’ve seen before.”

Organised by The 1878s supporters’ club, a coach welcome and South Stand display will precede kick-off. 

Asked about the impact of The 1878s’ efforts, Moyes responded: “It’s brilliant, it really is. We need to rebuild a lot of relationships at the Club. Mainly, with a lot of the supporters. Any great support which people are putting up is fabulous. 

“That’s what great football clubs do. The supporters get behind the team.”

Liverpool Team News 

Liverpool will be without striker Hugo Ekitike after the Frenchman ruptured his Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday.

The summer signing will miss the remainder of the campaign.

Elsewhere, defender Joe Gomez will also miss the game after being withdrawn against Paris Saint-Germain.

Gomez came on at the beginning of the second half of that European quarter-final tie at Anfield but was taken off in the 67th minute.