Everton will be without Alex Iwobi against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old ‘remains out’ with a thigh injury. In his absence, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to name Lucas Digne and Djibril Sibide at wing-back while Bernard could operate in an advanced midfield role.
Iwobi picked up his thigh injury in Everton’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal (December 21, 2019) and has missed the Toffees’ last three Premier League games – 1-0 win over Burnley (December 26), 2-1 win over Newcastle United (December 28), 2-1 defeat to Manchester City (January 1, 2020).
The Nigerian international was also sidelined as Everton lost in the FA Cup to Liverpool (January 5). He’s made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating three goals. Iwobi is nearing recovery, but whether he’ll return in time to face West Ham United (January 18) remains to be seen.
Everton have been in better form of late. They’ve won two of their last three league games and distanced themselves from the relegation zone in the process. Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Brighton have managed only one win in six, so Everton will fancy their chances of coming out on top.