Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to be rested for Norwich City clash
Everton boss Ronald Koeman. Picture: PA - Credit: PA
Everton star Romelu Lukaku will sit out tomorrow night's clash with Norwich City as he rests a toe problem.
The Belgium international striker, who has scored 65 goals in 132 games for the Toffees, picked up the knock in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
Summer signing Enner Valencia is set to replace Lukaku, making his first start for the club, in what Koeman has indicated will be a strong line-up.
'Romelu is not available,' Everton boss Ronald Koeman said. 'He will have a rest about his toe and then after two days he can do normal training and he is available for the weekend.
'Valencia will start on Tuesday.'
Koeman also revealed midfielder Darron Gibson has had groin surgery and will be out for around a month, similar to fellow Irish midfielder James McCarthy, who misses a reunion with Norwich boss Alex Neil, who he played with at Hamilton.
'Darron Gibson is not ready,' Koeman added. 'He also had a groin operation and will be out the same time as James McCarthy, around three weeks.'
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The Merseyside club have made a great start to life under Koeman, winning five and drawing one of his first five matches.
He was even able to have talented players such as Valencia, Aaron Lennon and Gerard Deulofeu on the bench against Boro on, all of whom could feature against the Canaries.
'It's always an opportunity for players who didn't play a lot in the last few weeks because we didn't change the team a lot,' Koeman said, speaking to the Liverpool Echo.
'I'm that type of manager. If the team is doing well and the players are performing as they expect, maybe one or two changes will be tactical.
'Some players will get their chance against Norwich, then you take notice of that. After tomorrow, you can make conclusions about players and competition for places.
'We like to have that competition. It's a big opportunity for some players and they need to respond.
'And if they don't play well, it will be difficult for the next games coming up.'
