Everton news: David Moyes offers Illiman Ndiaye injury update and praises Beto

By Jon Shea

Fresh from the dramatic Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, David Moyes’ Everton travel to South London to take on Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace on Saturday night. 

Everton team news

Everton will be without star man Illiman Ndiaye after sustaining a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Ndiaye won’t be the only Evertonian sidelined as the Toffees face Palace (5.30pm).

Abdoulaye Doucoure won’t join in on the action as he will be serving his suspension after being sent off for his celebration after the final whistle at Goodison Park.

Still on derby high

David Moyes has given his pre-match press conference and described the “smiley” atmosphere around Finch Farm.

“We weren’t smiling with a minute to go in the game, but we were smiling in the last minute and since then we have been.

“We took a point from the game; we didn’t take three points so we’re also realistic that we got something when it looked as though it was going to be difficult to get anything at all.

“I think that made it a little bit special and it has given us a good feeling.”

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Illiman Ndiaye update

Moyes has confirmed the extent of the Senegalese international’s knee injury.

“He [Ndiaye] has a medial ligament injury, not looking great at the moment,” he added.

“Not sure how long he’ll be out – [it will] certainly be a few weeks.” 

Ndiaye picked up the injury midway through the first half of Wednesday’s derby and faces an extended spell on the sidelines – a big blow for the Toffees as their injury worries grow. 

A month in for Moyes

Moyes celebrates a month since he was re-appointed as Everton manager. With 10 points from his first five Premier League games in charge, the Scot feels positive about his return.

“When you’re a new manager coming in, you hope to make a good start. Get the crowd onside and get everybody behind you and we’ve done that at the moment, it’s been a good start.

“The players have responded well. We’re trusting them and seeing what they can do.

“The feeling is we’re on the up.

“Over recent years, everyone’s been trying to bring Everton back down to Earth, so why not keep Everton high for a while?

“Some positive talk about Everton for a change.”

Praise for Beto

Beto has three goals in his previous two Premier League games, including an early strike in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.

When speaking of him, Moyes had nothing but praise for the forward, saying: “People who played striker will tell you they need a bit of time to get settled. Beto’s judging himself on goals and he’s doing great.

“He was a difficult opponent for the opposition [Liverpool] in midweek, and I must say he’s started very well for us. Hope he keeps it up.”

Racial discrimination against Abdoulaye Doucoure

A statement from both Liverpool and Everton confirmed and condemned the racial abuse Doucoure received following Wednesday’s derby.

Moyes also publicly condemned the actions.

“I was disappointed that he [Doucoure] got sent off. He played so well in the game,” added the Everton boss.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t do it again if he had his time back, doesn’t mean people are allowed to abuse you and if that is the case then it’s completely unacceptable.

“The club will look at the situation as we go along.”

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