Koeman reveals Everton key player ruled out of Crystal Palace clash

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Published on:

29 Sep 2016, 8:55 am

By Alex Stevens

Leighton Baines has been ruled out of Everton's starting XI for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Friday night.

Ronald Koeman revealed at his media conference on Thursday afternoon that the left-back has not recovered in time to feature in the clash at Goodison Park.

Koeman said, as quoted by the official Everton Twitter account, it was "too risky" for Baines to start against Alan Pardew's side.

RK: "It's too risky for Leighton Baines to start tomorrow." #EFC
— Everton (@Everton) September 29, 2016

Baines has missed the last last two Everton matches after sustaining a hamstring problem, and was sorely missed in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

The experienced 31-year-old began all of the club's opening five league games as Everton started the campaign brightly by picking up 13 points out of a possible 15.

Bryan Oviedo filled in at left-back against Bournemouth and could make another appearance in the position on Friday night.

Koeman also revealed that Romelu Lukaku will start against Palace despite a toe problem.

The Belgium international has scored six goals in his last four games for club and country.

In other Everton team news, this is the expected team to face Palace on Friday night.

Crystal Palace

Everton FC

Leighton Baines