- David Moyes has a nearly full squad available for the first derby.
- Charly Alcaraz returns to boost Everton as they host rivals at home.
- Victory against Liverpool would keep Everton’s European dreams alive.
Everton head into the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a near‑fully fit squad. David Moyes delivered a positive team news update during his pre‑match press conference, confirming that no fresh injury concerns have arisen ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
The Blues will be without long‑term absentee Jack Grealish, who remains sidelined with a foot injury. But there was encouraging news regarding Charly Alcaraz, who has been missing since February.
Alcaraz available as Moyes issues positive update
“Charly Alcaraz is back and back training now,” Moyes told the media. “I think we’re as much close to [fully fit] as we can be.”
The Argentine midfielder’s return adds depth to Everton’s options as they push for a vital result against their local rivals. Victory would lift the Toffees to within two points of fifth‑placed Liverpool, keeping their European dreams firmly alive.
Moyes was asked whether his players would rise to the occasion of the first derby at the club’s new home. His response was typically straightforward.
“Well, if they don’t rise to it, then I don’t know what they’d rise to,” he said. “Over the years, if it’s having a last game of the season and avoiding relegation, then that’s nothing to celebrate, really. I don’t think you can be a team in the relegation zone and just surviving. I think you can celebrate winning trophies or challenging for Europe, so I hope they can enjoy this side of it rather than the side we’ve seen before.”
Fan display and Liverpool’s injury blows
The 1878s supporters’ club have organised a welcome and a display ahead of kick‑off. Moyes acknowledged fans effort as key.
“It’s brilliant, it really is,” he said. “We need to rebuild a lot of relationships at the Club. Mainly, with a lot of the supporters. Any great support which people are putting up is fabulous. That’s what great football clubs do. The supporters get behind the team.”
Liverpool arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium with their own injury concerns. Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Champions League quarter‑final against Paris Saint‑Germain on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the campaign. Defender Joe Gomez was also substituted in that game and will not feature on Sunday. While Allison, Leoni and Endo also remain sidelined.
When asked about Liverpool’s form, Moyes refused to be drawn. “I look at Everton,” he said. “I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to Liverpool and I can only focus on the Blues.”
Everton are level on points with Brentford and just five points off the Champions League places. A result against their fierce neighbours would be a massive step towards European football.
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