Everton have confirmed that Djibril Sidibe ‘will miss’ Wednesday’s meeting with Norwich City due to a ‘foot problem’. The 27-year-old was left out of the matchday squad in Everton’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, leading to Seamus Coleman starting at right-back, but Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t say when Sidibe is likely to return.
He revealed in Everton’s pre-match press conference: “Djibril is not available to play. He has a problem with inflammation on his foot, but I hope he will be ready soon.” Sidibe joined the Blues on a season-long loan from AS Monaco and has gone on to make 24 appearances in all competitions.
The French international can be signed permanently for €15m, but Everton may turn their attentions elsewhere – Santiago Arias, Emerson, Jesus Corona, Santiago Arias, Ola Aina and Bouna Sarr among others. Ancelotti is relying on Coleman’s fitness while Sidibe is sidelined, but he’ll have to bring in a new face next season if Jonjoe Kenny isn’t retained.
It’s unlikely that drastic changes will be made Everton’s starting eleven against Norwich. The Toffees are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw with Liverpool and aren’t blessed with enough cover at centre-back, centre-midfield and centre-forward to rotate the squad.
A win for Ancelotti’s side could see them finish the day in the top half of the Premier League table. They’re currently 12th with 38 points from 30 games.