Bernard injury should not automatically mean Gylfi Sigurdsson recall for Everton

Add as preferred source on Google

The bad news stemming from Everton’s loss to Brighton at the weekend has continued with Bernard now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian winger has suffered a medial ligament tear in his right knee which will see the player out of action for a number of weeks. 

Whilst it is bad news for Everton, it might offer a quick reprieve for a player who was recently dropped from the Everton starting XI. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson was finally dropped by Marco Silva after weeks of sub-par displays for the Toffees and Everton went on to beat West Ham 2-0. Sigurdsson made a good impact off the bench that day, scoring the second goal, but there is no doubt Everton play better and more fluid football with Sigurdsson on the bench. 

As an impact sub, the £45 million man (BBC) is likely to have his best influence in an Everton shirt. 

However, with Bernard out, Everton boss Marco Silva is likely to make the obvious selection decision. He almost always does. 

The Portuguese will probably push Alex Iwobi back out wide and slot the Icelandic international back into his playmaker role and Everton will likely suffer as a result. 

There are alternatives. Richarlison could go wide and Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Moise Kean could start in attack. Andre Gomes could be given a free role, releasing him from the defensive duties he so often fails to deliver. 

Any of those options would be preferable as Everton were clearly not working with Sigurdsson as a starter before. 

But this is Silva’s Everton, so don’t hold your breath.