Despite suffering an injury scare ahead of Everton’s clash with Bournemouth, midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye will still link up with the Senegalese national team for their upcoming friendlies, according to journalist Papa Mahmoud Gueye, relays the GOT.
The 34-year-old was initially included in Sean Dyche’s starting lineup for Saturday’s Premier League encounter, with Belgian international Amadou Onana named among the substitutes. However, an injury sustained by Gueye during the warm-up prompted Dyche to make a last-minute change, with Onana taking his place in the starting XI.
Although Gueye was unavailable for Everton’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, journalist Papa Mahmoud Gueye provided reassuring news on the midfielder’s condition via Twitter. He stated, “Gana Gueye, who was also injured during the warm-up on Saturday with Everton, will also be present. He just had some heel pain, but he will be operational.”
While it’s a positive development that Gueye’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious, some may question whether it is wise for the midfielder to join up with the Senegalese national team for friendly matches during the international break. Everton has recently seen influential players like Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin return from injuries, making Gueye’s presence at Finch Farm for rehabilitation crucial.
The last thing manager Sean Dyche needs is to lose such a key player unnecessarily, especially just weeks before the highly anticipated Merseyside derby. Nevertheless, Gueye’s commitment to representing his national team reflects his dedication to international duty.
Dyche expressed satisfaction with Amadou Onana’s response to the last-minute inclusion against Bournemouth, acknowledging the competitive nature of football. He also praised £15 million midfielder James Garner for his contribution to Everton’s 3-0 victory, highlighting the development of both young players and the club’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.