Whelan issues ‘damning’ Everton claim after ‘massive blow’ to Richarlison
Injuries to Richarlison and Allan are a “massive blow” for Everton, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the pair’s potential absence could be “damning” for the Toffees.
As quoted by the club’s official website (12 December), Everton boss Rafa Benitez revealed that Allan, 30, missed the 3-1 loss against Crystal Palace on Sunday with an injury to his adductor muscle.
Benitez also confirmed 24-year-old Richarlison, who limped off through injury on 58 minutes during Sunday’s loss, suffered from a calf injury.
Everton face a trip to the capital to face Chelsea on Thursday, before hosting Leicester this Sunday.
Whelan suggested the Toffees will desperately miss the “quality and experience” of the Brazillian pair.
“It’s a massive blow for Everton, they’re two key players,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’re two big-name players in the spine of that side, and they will be a big miss for them.
“It’s going to be really damning for them as they try and turn around this patch of bad form. They’ll need all the quality and experience they can get.
“Richarlison is a game-changer, as we saw with the win against Arsenal last week.”
Richarlison has already missed five Everton league games this term through injury and suspension.
The Brazil international has scored three goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
Sunday marked Allan’s first absence from an Everton league game this term.
The Toffees sit 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has explained ‘the real problem’ at Everton as source reveals another senior exit.