Everton without ‘very dangerous’ player for Ipswich clash after injury update

Everton will look to turn a solid unbeaten start into something more meaningful when Ipswich Town visit Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

David Moyes’ side have taken six points from their opening four Premier League games, with one win followed by three draws.

The latest came away to Tottenham, where the Toffees stayed disciplined, defended their box well and left north London with a deserved 0-0 draw.

They then carried that momentum into the Carabao Cup, edging Wolves 1-0 through a late Charly Alcaraz goal.

It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but it kept Everton moving in the right direction and gave Moyes another chance to use players who had been waiting for minutes.

Ipswich should provide a very different test.

Everton could sit in their shape and choose their moments against Spurs, but the home crowd will expect them to take greater control this weekend.

That means moving the ball faster, creating more around the penalty area and finding a way to make their possession count.

The visitors cannot be treated lightly either.

Gary O’Neil’s side won 3-2 at Crystal Palace last weekend and have already shown that they are capable of punishing loose defending.

Their 4-2 cup defeat to Arsenal in midweek also gave them another reminder of the level required, even if changes were made for that game.

REUTERS/Yves Herman

Everton’s preparations have now been hampered by the news that Merlin Röhl will not be ready to return.

David Moyes confirms Merlin Röhl will miss Everton’s Ipswich clash

Moyes has confirmed that the German midfielder has not recovered in time to face Ipswich, extending his spell on the sidelines, at least until after the international break.

It isn’t an absence that should force Everton into a complete rethink, but it does take away one of the manager’s more flexible midfield options.

Röhl can operate in the middle, carry the ball over distance and use his frame to compete in physical games.

Moyes still has enough alternatives, with James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall offering experience and control, while Alcaraz and Hayden Hackney can provide something different if Everton need a change of tempo.

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

However, the ‘very dangerous‘ Röhl’s continued absence limits the room for rotation after the cup tie.

That makes Everton’s work in both boxes even more important.

The Toffees’ defensive organisation has helped them through a demanding start, but they must now add a sharper attacking edge.

Thierno Barry will want better service, while Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling and Jack Grealish give Moyes several possible combinations behind the striker.

Reuters/John Clifton

The most recent meeting should also act as a warning.

Everton led Ipswich by two goals at Goodison Park in May 2025, only to let the advantage slip in a 2-2 draw.

Everton are favourites and should see this as a golden opportunity.

Victory would extend their unbeaten league run, strengthen confidence around their new home and turn a solid opening into genuine progress, even despite all the odds stacked against them after a lacklustre summer window.