Everton FC manager David Moyes has confirmed that Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye will miss Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland AFC as he continues his recovery from injury.
The experienced midfielder has already been absent for Everton’s previous two matches after suffering an injury in training ahead of the club’s encounter with Manchester City.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the penultimate fixture of the Premier League season, Moyes said the Senegal international would not yet be ready to return to action.
“Idrissa Gana Gueye will miss Sunday’s home game against Sunderland. He’s back on the pitch and there’s a small chance he’ll be fit for our final match of the season.”
The update offers some encouragement for Everton supporters, with the club hopeful Gueye could return before the campaign concludes against Tottenham Hotspur on 24 May.
Gueye has been undergoing individual rehabilitation work away from the main squad while continuing his recovery programme on the training pitch.
Although the injury has ruled him out of several important matches, Moyes’ comments suggest the issue is not viewed as long-term or serious.
“Idrissa’s not fit for the game,” Everton boss David Moyes said.
The absence of Gueye represents a significant setback for Everton at a crucial stage of the season, with the midfielder continuing to play an important role in Moyes’ tactical setup.
The Senegal international has remained one of Everton’s most experienced and reliable midfield figures, offering defensive stability, energy and leadership throughout the campaign.
His absence also means Everton will be without one of Africa’s most established Premier League players for another weekend.
Across the continent, Gueye continues to command respect for his longevity and consistency at the highest level of European football, both with Everton and the Senegal national team.
The 35-year-old remains an influential figure for Senegal, where he has been part of one of the country’s most successful football generations in recent years.
For Everton, attention now turns to Sunday’s clash with Sunderland as the club attempts to finish the season strongly despite injury concerns.
The match arrives during an emotional period for the club after Everton confirmed on Friday that long-serving captain Seamus Coleman will leave the club this summer.
When asked whether Coleman could feature against Sunderland, Moyes responded cautiously.
“Seamus wouldn’t want me to say that because he wouldn’t want me to think that way.”
Everton supporters will now hope Gueye’s recovery progresses quickly enough for him to feature in the final game of the season, where his experience could prove valuable once again.
