Klaassen out, Sandro and Gueye questionable as Everton injuries mount

UPDATE:

It is unclear whether Muhamed Besic will play on Sunday or not after his father was shot twice in Bosnia. Story here.

The fixture congestion brought about by early season Europa League matches always threatened to create a hassle for Everton — but with injuries and suspensions mounting, the Toffees’ trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea is in serious risk of going off the rails.

At the top of the injury list is Idrissa Gueye, who picked up a hamstring injury in training ahead of Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Hajduk Split — which explains his absence from the 18 in that match.

Gana’s injury is particularly ill-timed given the absence of Morgan Schneiderlin due to suspension as well. If the Senegalese midfielder cannot play, Ronald Koeman could be looking at a midfield due of Tom Davies and Muhamed Besic.

Sandro Ramirez is the only other questionable Everton player — with Koeman stating it is doubtful that the Spaniard will play.

Davy Klaassen is definitely out with a foot injury, joining James McCarthy, Ross Barkley, Yannick Bolasie, Ramiro Funes Mori, and Seamus Coleman on the injury list.

For Chelsea, Sunday’s match looks to have come a little to early for Eden Hazard, who made a rehab appearance for Chelsea’s U23 squad against Everton’s U23 squad yesterday. Tiemoue Bakayoko still isn’t fully match fit, but that didn’t keep him from going 90 minutes last week against Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary Cahill will be serving the second match of his three-match ban following a straight red card against Burnley on opening day. Cesc Fabregas is back in consideration after serving his one-match ban against Spurs last week.