According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday, October 16, 2026, Chelsea have received a potential boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton after manager David Moyes revealed that three players could miss Saturday's encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton have made an unbeaten start to the season, recording no defeats in their opening six matches. However, their impressive run could face a difficult test against Chelsea, with the hosts monitoring the fitness of Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko and Christian Norgaard.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will be hoping his side can take advantage of Everton's injury concerns to end their unbeaten run when the two teams meet on Merseyside.

Branthwaite is a doubt after sustaining a dead leg during Everton's 2-2 draw against Hull City last weekend. The England international suffered the problem early in the match, and the club have spent the week assessing his condition ahead of the Chelsea fixture.

Moyes confirmed that the defender had experienced an issue during the Hull encounter and that Everton had been monitoring his recovery throughout the week.

Mykolenko is another concern for the Toffees after picking up a knock while representing his country during the recent international break. However, the Everton manager delivered a more encouraging update on the Ukrainian full-back, suggesting that he could recover in time to face Chelsea.

The defender's potential return would provide Everton with another option in defence as they prepare for the visit of Alonso's side.

Meanwhile, summer signing Norgaard remains short of the fitness required to start a match. The former Arsenal midfielder arrived at Everton carrying an injury and has yet to make his first appearance for the club.

Although the Danish midfielder resumed training during the international break, Moyes believes he may only be able to contribute from the bench if required.

The Everton manager indicated that Norgaard was making progress but still needed additional time before he could be considered ready to start.

Away from the injury concerns, Moyes also discussed the competition for places in his attacking options, particularly involving Tyrique George and Jack Grealish.

George, who progressed through Chelsea's academy, initially joined Everton on loan during the second half of last season before completing a permanent move in the summer.

The young winger has gradually improved after a slow start to the campaign, and Moyes believes he is pushing for more opportunities in the team.

The Everton boss also praised George's versatility, highlighting his ability to operate on either flank as he competes with Grealish for playing time.

Chelsea will travel to Merseyside hoping to capitalise on Everton's defensive uncertainties when the sides meet on Saturday.