After Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin sustained a broken toe, the last thing Rafa Benitez wanted was more injuries.
This Toffees squad are still lacking some key figures after the conclusion of the transfer window but one of their major shortfalls has now become even more frustrating.
On the chalkboard
One of the main tasks that Benitez and Marcel Brands failed to achieve over the last few months was signing a new right-back.
Seamus Coleman’s contract is due to expire in just under two years time but at the age of 32, he remains the only viable solution in that third of the pitch.
Everton made attempts to sign Denzel Dumfries but he proved too expensive in a window where the recruitment team had little to spend. Instead, he joined Inter Milan.
The Toffees then made a move for Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta but that was another deal that wasn’t concluded.
Deadline day rolled around and an enquiry was made for Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters but unsurprisingly, that was swiftly rejected.
Therefore, with no further right-back arriving, the news that Coleman is now injured will come as an almighty blow.
The Irishman was playing for his country during the current international break but suffered a muscle issue and will miss their next game with Serbia.
The solution
If Coleman is going to be out injured then Everton cannot afford to rely on Jonjoe Kenny.
We’ve already explored the chances of the Englishman gaining some minutes this season but after being described as a “horror show” in some circles during his time on loan at Celtic, he is not Premier League quality.
Instead, Benitez could consider turning to the enigmatic Serge Aurier.
The Express suggested at the weekend that the Ivorian was a player who could move to Everton and this blow only adds to that theory.
The 28-year-old had his contract with Tottenham torn up by mutual consent before the deadline which will now allow him to head elsewhere for absolutely nothing.
On the surface, Aurier would be a poor signing. Spurs coaching staff described him as “uncoachable” according to Football Insider sources and he’s also been dubbed “erratic” by Teddy Sheringham on Sky Sports.
That being said, with Everton needing to combat an injury, a short-term contract would surely suit all parties.
After all, he’s got more experience than Kenny and would offer plenty in an area where Coleman thrives; going forward.
Aurier has immense pace and is capable of flying down the right-hand side. During the 2019/20 season, he assisted five Premier League goals. Throughout last term, meanwhile, the defender registered two goals and three assists.
His defending may leave a lot to be desired at times but there are far worse alternatives that Everton could explore.