Koeman confident Toffees can cope without Gueye

Idrissa Gueye has been a Premier League ever-present for Everton this season, but boss Ronald Koeman believes his side are more than able to cope without their influential midfielder.

The Toffees travel to Chelsea on Saturday, but must do so without the 27-year-old, who picked up a fifth yellow card of the season and a subsequent suspension during last week’s victory over West Ham.

It was a fourth caution in five games for the Senegal international, already becoming a focal point at Goodison Park since his £9million switch from Aston Villa in the summer.

But Koeman is confident the void of Gueye’s absence won’t be too deep, calling on his squad to replicate the togetherness which has launched them into the top six with ten games of the season played.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“We know Gana is doing well and he has brought a lot of energy to the team,” said Koeman. “He wins a lot of second balls in the midfield and that’s always a loss.

“He’s a miss but it’s not about one player. We have enough replacements in his position. That’s the kind of decision I need to make.

“[Players taking their chance] is what you expect and hope for. We had that last weekend. Maarten Stekelenburg was not available and Joel played a very good game. He made important saves at important moments in the game.

“Funes (Mori) played instead of Phil (Jagielka) and did a really good job, which is what you expect and Bryan Oviedo is doing well during the long time that Leighton (Baines) has been out.”