Marco Silva confirmed in Thursday’s press conference that Fabian Delph was a “big doubt” to face Southampton. The 29-year-old missed a training session in midweek and was struggling ahead of Saturday’s fixture. He’s likely to be fully fit after the November international break, however.
Silva said: “We will see on the matchday, but at this moment Fabian is a big doubt for the match.”
Nevertheless, the timing of Delph’s injury couldn’t be worse as Everton are suffering an injury crisis in midfield and could be without three first-team players against Southampton as a result – Jean-Philippe Gbamin (thigh), Andre Gomes (ankle), Delph (knock).
England manager Gareth Southgate has still selected the box-to-box player in his squad for the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 qualifiers with Montenegro (November 14) and Kosovo (November 17), but it remains to be seen if he features. Everton would probably prefer he didn’t.
Since joining from Manchester City over the summer, Delph has made 10 appearances in all competitions. He’s missed Everton’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace (August 10), 1-0 win over Watford (August 17), 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa (August 23) and 2-0 win over West Ham United (October 19) through injury.
Should Marco Silva risk playing Fabian Delph against Southampton?
No
Yes
Everton are big favourites ahead of Saturday clash with an out-of-form Southampton and could go six points clear of the relegation zone if results go their way.