As Everton faced off against Coventry City in a pre-season friendly, one journalist couldn’t help but comment on the notable absence of a key player from the Toffees’ lineup

Everton have been dealt an unexpected blow to pre-season as Youssef Chermiti was left out of the squad to face Coventry City in a friendly on Tuesday night (July 30).

   Chermiti has impressed with his performances in recent games, including strong performances at Sligo Rovers and against Salford City.

   Liverpool Echo reporter Joe Thomas shared the news ahead of Everton’s match at the Coventry Building Society Arena via the newspaper’s online blog [30  July].

   He said: “On the absent list is Youssef Chermiti who would have started this pre-season hoping to make an impact and he certainly did.

   “His second-half performance saved Everton blushes at Sligo Rovers as he scored twice and created one in a 3-3 draw at The Showgrounds.

   “He then came off the bench to beat James Garner from a free-kick at Salford. He ended last season with some excellent performances in the Premier League and he seems to have carried the confidence from those performances into the summer.

   “It’s a shame he doesn’t get the chance to build on that tonight.”

   Could It Be Youssef Chermiti’s Breakthrough Season at Everton?

   Chermiti may just be on the cusp of a successful season at Everton.    The 19-year-old has had a quiet first 12 months since joining from Sporting Lisbon last summer for £15million, scoring just one goal in 21 appearances.    However, this pre-season has shown another side of Chermiti.

   He has been making headlines in recent games with his late goals and decent play.    His performance against Sligo Rovers, where he scored twice to save Everton, and his spirited effort against Salford suggest he has hit his stride.

   Chermiti’s ability to win important free-kicks and threatening runs shows that he is adapting well to the demands of the Premier League.

   With Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin competing for the starting spot, Chermiti could get more opportunities early in the season.

   Sean Dyche was also full of praise for Chermiti’s improved form and fitness, with the young forward now on the cusp of a big season.    If his pre-season form continues, Everton fans could just be in for a breakthrough year from Chermiti.

   His absence against Coventry is an obvious blow, but hopefully it’s nothing too serious and he’ll be back against Preston North End on Saturday (August 3).