Iwobi All But Ruled Out Of Derby Vs Liverpool As Everton Boss Ancelotti Reveals Recovery Period

Published: December 24, 2019

New Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the worst fears of Super Eagles and Toffees fans after revealing on Christmas Eve that Alex Iwobi faces a spell on the sidelines following the hamstring injury he suffered in the opening minutes of the goalless draw against Arsenal this past weekend.

The Nigeria international will not be available for selection for one of the most demanding periods of the season, with the Italian football tactician revealing that the playmaker is expected to spend at least two weeks in the treatment room.

Ancelotti will not be able to count on the services of Iwobi for Premier League matches against Burnley (Dec 26), Newcastle United (Dec 28) and Manchester City (Jan 1), and it is all but confirmed that he will sit out the Merseyside derby against Liverpool (Jan 5).

Speaking to Everton TV, Ancelotti said : "Alex Iwobi is not going to play in the next games.

"He is going to rest for two or three weeks, then start [training] with the team."

A deadline day signing from Arsenal, Iwobi has been named in twenty-one matchday squads in all competitions since the start of the 2019-2020 season, starting on fifteen occasions.

Everton sit 15th in the Premier League table with 19 points from 18 matches and are only four points above the drop zone.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com