David Moyes without Everton star for Crystal Palace clash after injury update

Everton’s European Hopes Face a Blow as Key Midfielder Ruled Out for Crystal Palace Clash

David Moyes will have to make do without one of his most influential players when Everton travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, as the Toffees fight to keep their dwindling European dreams alive.

Moyes Eyes Europe Once More with Everton

After more than a decade spent across two separate stints at Goodison Park, Moyes has never hidden his desire to bring European football back to the club. With just three matches remaining, Everton still have a mathematical chance of breaking into the top seven—and the manager isn’t giving up hope just yet.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the Selhurst Park encounter, Moyes was asked how it feels to watch clubs like Palace enjoy continental success. His response was both honest and emotional.

“I had that opportunity with West Ham, and it was unforgettable for everyone connected to the club,” he said. “It’s difficult to describe the feeling. Over the past year, I’ve found myself dreaming of giving that same experience to Everton supporters—that’s what I truly want to achieve.”

His mention of West Ham carries deep significance. Moyes guided the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory in 2023, defeating Fiorentina in the Prague final—a career highlight that now fuels his ambition on Merseyside. That personal history adds extra weight to Sunday’s fixture, beyond what the league table alone suggests.

Currently 11th with 48 points, Everton need a string of results to fall their way in the final weeks. A European qualification would end a near-decade-long absence stretching back to 2017, underscoring just how much it would mean to the fanbase.

But momentum is not on their side. Everton have made unwanted Premier League history by conceding a decisive goal in the 90th minute or later in three straight matches—a brutal pattern that has cost them points against Liverpool, West Ham, and Manchester City. Monday’s 3-3 draw with City, where they let a 3-1 lead slip thanks to Jeremy Doku’s stoppage-time equalizer, summed up their late-game fragility. They have taken only two points from their last four outings.

Gueye Absence Confirmed for Palace Trip

Adding to the challenge, Moyes confirmed on Friday that Idrissa Gueye will miss the trip to Selhurst Park. The 36-year-old midfielder picked up a minor knock in training recently, and while Moyes insists the injury isn’t serious, Gueye won’t be available for Sunday.

Gueye has featured 25 times in the Premier League this season, forming a consistent midfield partnership with James Garner. Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite also remain sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, though Moyes offered a slightly more upbeat update on Grealish’s foot issue.

On a brighter note, Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl impressed against Man City in Gueye’s absence, giving Moyes a welcome selection headache. Meanwhile, Thierno Barry scored twice off the bench in that same match, adding further complexity to the forward line alongside the reliable Beto.

Palace are expected to rotate heavily with one eye on their Europa Conference League final, and Everton know that a fatigued, second-string home side may represent their clearest opportunity to snatch a result.

Whether they can capitalize without the “ridiculous” Gueye orchestrating things from midfield is the central question heading into Sunday afternoon.