The Belgian star sustained a knee injury when playing against Wigan, and could now be out for three weeks. But now Jelavic is back on fire, Everton should be able to sustain their impressive form without him.
The Belgian football association has announced that the Everton midfielder will face three weeks on the sidelines, after they undertook further scans on the player after he picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw at Wigan on Saturday.
The statement also said he would rehabilitate in Belgium for this period and Fellaini looks certain to miss the game against QPR on the 21st October, with real concerns he will also not be back to face Liverpool at Goodison Park the weekend after.
Fellaini has been a crucial player for Everton at the start of the season, picking up three goals and one assist. He has played just behind the striker, and also in a slightly deeper role when required.
However the influence of the big Belgian has lessened slightly over the past two matches, when, amongst others, Jelavic has been the star of the show in the 3-1 win at home against Southampton and the 2-2 draw at Wigan. Fellaini was still an important player in those games, but now the Croatian has rediscovered his scoring touch, you feel that Everton should be able to get through the next two matches without the big Belgian.
Along with QPR and Liverpool, another side who may benefit from Fellaini’s absence is Scotland, who face Belgium next week. However Belgium certainly have more cover in Fellaini’s position than Everton do, with Witsel, Dembele, and Hazard in the squad.
It will be interesting to see how Everton approach the QPR game in the absence of Fellaini. With Hughes’ side struggling, they will be looking to get back to winning ways after the draw at Wigan, and few midfielders can carry the attacking threat Fellaini does.
Despite the absence of Fellaini QPR’s disastrous form may mean Everton can pick up a win there, the visit of Liverpool will be a real barometer of the depth of their squad if they have to do without their Belgian powerhouse.
Their good start notwithstanding, it is a concern for Everton that they may not have sufficient reserves to cover their star players if they get injured.
They are somewhat fortunate most of Fellaini’s recovery time will be during an international break, but it would be good for them to pick up a win or two without him and demonstrate their squad can handle being without a crucial player.
image: © nicksarebi
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