Some Everton fans have been reacting on social media after the Republic of Ireland confirmed Seamus Coleman will miss their World Cup qualifier with Serbia through injury.
Coleman suffered the blow during the Boys in Green’s 1-1 draw at home to Azerbaijan on Saturday. Stephen Kenny has called Cyrus Christie up to replace the Toffees captain in his squad for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia.
The Irish Independent claim Coleman sustained a muscle injury during the scrappy draw, as he played the full 90 minutes. While the Liverpool Echo add he has already returned to Merseyside for further assessment to gauge how long the right-back will be sidelined for.
Coleman is yet to miss any of Everton’s Premier League term as they started Rafa Benitez’s tenure with three wins. The 61-cap international is one of six players who have played all 270 available minutes under the Spaniard so far this season.
Benitez will hope Coleman’s issue is not so severe it rules him out of Burnley’s visit to Everton next Monday. The Toffees and Clarets are the last top-flight sides to return to domestic action following the international break. Giving Coleman extra hope of featuring.
Jonjoe Kenny would be the natural replacement for Coleman if Everton are without the Republic of Ireland international. Mason Holgate also made 16 appearances at full-back under Carlo Ancelotti last season, while Ben Godfrey is another alternative.
Everton fans react to Coleman injury blow during international break
Some Everton fans also believe now is Kenny’s chance to step up after Benitez potentially lost Coleman to injury. However, others suggest the Toffees boss and Director of Football Marcel Brands will rue not signing a right-back this summer.
Everton explored strengthening their options over the recently-concluded market, but Benitez and Brands could not agree on targets. That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who add Benitez also blocked Kenny from leaving Everton so Coleman had a back-up.
Serge Aurier also remains an out-of-window option to sign after Tottenham released the Ivorian from his contract. A few Everton fans have also already called for the Goodison Park outfit to consider signing the 28-year-old to provide cover.
So, here are some of the messages shared as Everton fans reacted to Coleman’s injury…
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