Everton suffer blow ahead of Brighton opener as centre-back now injured

Everton defender Michael Keane is doubtful for this weekend’s final pre-season friendly against Roma, according to the Liverpool ECHO.

Writing on their website (8 August), the outlet reported that Keane is suffering from a minor hamstring issue and could now miss the contest at Goodison Park on Saturday (10 August).

The 31-year-old has become a main figure for Everton throughout pre-season with injuries to James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, and the report states he was in contention to start the following weekend’s Premier League opener against Brighton.

Keane could still be available for the Premier League opener with Brighton, but he faces a race against time to get fully fit in another blow to Sean Dyche ahead of the new campaign.

Michael Keane’s Everton chances suffer another blow

Keane made 12 appearances across all competitions for Everton last season and has found himself out of favour at Goodison Park in the past few seasons.

Dyche preferred the pairing of Tarkowski and Branthwaite and rightfully so. The pair were leaders in the defence as the Blues conceded 51 goals, with only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal conceding fewer goals.

The injuries to the pair presented Keane with the perfect opportunity to force himself into Dyche’s plans this season but, instead, he has added to his manager’s injury concerns with Mason Holgate and summer signing Jake O’Brien the only senior centre-backs available. Everton have been handed a tough start to the 2024/25 season with matches against Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in their opening ten fixtures.

Dyche has recruited well with Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison, Tim Iroegbunam, Jasper Lindstrom and O’Brien joining the side this summer. Everton fans will therefore enter the season with a new sense of optimism that has been desperately lacking in recent years.

But the defence was the key component to last year’s success and the Blues could line up against Brighton without one of their key centre-backs.

Dyche will be sweating on the fitness of Tarkowski, Branthwaite and now Keane as all three face a race against time to be fully fit for the new season.