Everton FC has been grappling with a series of injury woes over the last few seasons, and these injuries have significantly impacted their overall performance. Injuries to key players disrupt not only team chemistry but also hamper their tactical approach and consistency on the pitch. Here’s an overview of how Everton’s injury woes have affected their 2023-2024 season, and their broader implications:

1. Injuries to Key Players

Everton has had a history of struggling with injuries to key players, and the 2023-2024 season was no different. Players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ben Godfrey, and Seamus Coleman have been sidelined at various points during the season, leaving huge gaps in both defense and attack.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin: A striker who can hold up the ball and score, Calvert-Lewin’s fitness issues have meant that Everton lacked a reliable goal scorer. His absence puts pressure on other forwards to step up, which hasn’t always been the case, leading to an imbalance in the attack.
• Ben Godfrey: As a versatile defender, Godfrey’s injury issues have left Everton thin at the back, which is crucial in a Premier League season that demands solidity in defense. Without Godfrey, they’ve had to rotate in less experienced players or rely on older defenders who aren’t at their peak.
• Seamus Coleman: The veteran right-back’s injuries, especially at a stage of his career when recovery is slower, mean that Everton lacks leadership and defensive stability on the right side. His absence has forced younger, less experienced players to fill the gap.

2. Tactical Adjustments and Squad Depth

Due to injuries, manager Sean Dyche has had to make significant tactical adjustments. For instance:

• The absence of key attacking players often forces Everton to play a more defensive, counter-attacking style of football, which can be effective but lacks the attacking flair that makes them a serious threat in the league.
• The lack of depth in certain positions has meant that Everton’s squad is stretched thin, and younger players have been forced into starting roles before they may be ready for such responsibility. This often leads to inconsistency.

3. Impact on Team Morale and Performance

Constant injuries to influential players can also affect the morale of the squad. When key players like Calvert-Lewin or Godfrey are repeatedly sidelined, it creates an air of uncertainty within the squad. This, in turn, can affect the overall performance as players might feel the pressure of carrying a team with limited options.

4. Impact on Results

With key players unavailable, Everton has struggled to maintain consistent form. The lack of a clinical striker, for instance, has led to a number of drawn games, which, in a relegation battle, can make all the difference. Similarly, defensive lapses due to injuries have resulted in costly mistakes that have dropped vital points.

5. Financial and Transfer Implications

The injury problems at Everton have also impacted their financial situation. A reliance on short-term fixes or players coming back from injury means that Everton may need to spend more money on medical and recovery support rather than reinvesting in fresh talent. The club’s inability to perform at a high level due to injuries could affect their ability to attract top-tier players in the future, as players may hesitate to join a club in flux.