Branthwaite, Patterson & Calvert-Lewin: Everton injury news and return dates ahead of crucial Forest game

The scoreline wasn’t the only problem to emerge from Everton’s difficult trip to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, as three key defenders also limped off with knocks – Sean Dyche may have some major headaches to handle ahead of a crucial home game against fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson and Séamus Coleman all picked up apparent knocks during the 6-0 thrashing that the Toffees suffered at the hands of Chelsea, and there may now be as many as seven players absent for the six-pointer at Goodison Park.

We’ve collected all of the latest injury news and expected return dates below ahead of a game which could have considerable ramifications for the battle to avoid the drop.

Jarrad Branthwaite

The towering centre-half has been one of Everton’s best players this season but limped off after 55 minutes in clear discomfort. The exact nature of the issue is not yet known but Sean Dyche told reports after the game that they “hope [the injury] is minor but we’ll have to wait and see.” It seems unlikely to be a long-term problem, but Branthwaite’s participation in Sunday’s game remains in doubt.

Séamus Coleman

The veteran Irishman had to be hauled off at half-time after sustaining a groin injury. Details of the severity of the problem aren’t yet available – Dyche told the club’s official channel that “we don’t know yet,” so at this stage it’s impossible to say whether Everton’s most experienced player will be available on Sunday.

Nathan Patterson

Scotland full-back Patterson’s injury is, unfortunately, “more serious.” The defender came on at the start of the second half for Coleman but had to be replaced himself in injury time at the end of the match due to what Dyche told the media was a hamstring injury. To make matters worse, this was the defender’s first match back in action after a nine-match layoff. No comeback date has yet been set but it sounds unlikely that Patterson will feature against Forest this weekend.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin was absent for the defeat at Stamford Bridge after picking a hamstring problem. The striker, who scored in both of his previous matches to signal a long-awaited return to form, was considered to be “touch and go” ahead of the Chelsea match and Dyche told EvertonTV that he has “got a good chance” of playing against Forest, also revealing that his recent injury history played a part in the decision to rest him on Monday night.

Idrissa Gana Gueye

Holding midfielder has missed the last two matches after feeling what Dyche described as a “tight calf.” It is no believed to be a serious injury, with the manager suggesting that the decision to leave him out on Monday was a late call. The 34-year-old Senegalese midfielder could well be back in the squad come the weekend, and the club have said that he will return this month.

Lewis Dobbin

21-year-old forward Dobbin picked up a serious ankle injury during a training camp in Portugal ahead of the March international break. Scans revealed that the young striker wouldn’t need surgery and Dyche told the media ahead of the Chelsea game that he was “making good progress” but the club don’t yet know if he will be able to play again this season with the situation described as “delicate.”

Dele Alli

The former England attacking midfielder has not featured this season as he looks to recover form and fitness and restore his mental health. A persistent groin injury has delayed his return to action and it isn’t clear whether he will be able to play before the end of the campaign, but it is highly unlikely that he will feature on Sunday. He made his punditry debut on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Chelsea game on Monday, during which he revealed that he has a reminder set on his phone which simply says ‘World Cup 2026’ – clearly, Dele has not given up on a remarkable comeback just yet.