Everton star 'ripped his neck' against Chelsea as Sean Dyche provides injury update

Everton ace Ashley Young ‘ripped his neck’ during the Toffees’ goalless draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

Young, who will sit out Everton’s Boxing Day clash away to Manchester City through suspension, was hooked with 15 minutes to go in the Goodison Park clash.

Replaced by club captain Seamus Coleman, Everton boss Sean Dyche revealed post-match that Young was taken off because of an unusual injury concern.

Commenting on the veteran, Dyche said: “Youngy is suspended anyway but he ripped his neck then he did a brilliant header at the far stick.

“We had to take him off for both reasons – to make sure he was OK physically and was on a yellow card.”

Losing Young didn’t seem to impact Everton too much, as they held on for a precious point, as well as going on to record their second consecutive clean sheet.

On the back of a shutout against title contenders Arsenal last weekend, the Merseyside outfit’s draw against second-placed Chelsea saw them move four points clear of the bottom three.

Things appear to be looking up for Everton, both on and off the pitch, with the Goodison stalemate coming in the first game following the club’s takeover was announced.

The Friedkin Group (TFG) were confirmed as the club’s new custodians on Thursday as part of a deal that’s rumoured to be worth around £500million.

Headed by Dan Friedkin, the American group have vowed to usher in a new era of financial stability for Everton, as they prepare to move into their new stadium at Bramley Moore Docks.

Commenting on the takeover, incoming executive chairman of Everton, Marc Watts, stated: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.

“We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this.

“While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Dyche’s future isn’t believed to be under threat by the arrival of the new owners, with reports from earlier this year suggesting TFG are keen to keep stability in the manager’s position for the moment.

Everton face reigning champions City at the Etihad Stadium in the early kick-off on Boxing Day.