David Moyes said he believed the 23-year-old had only suffered a minor setback
Merlin Rohl during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
David Moyes believes Merlin Rohl will be able to return to his plans soon after he missed the Merseyside derby through injury.
The midfielder, a deadline day signing from Freiburg, was a surprise absence from the Blues squad when it was announced on Saturday morning.
But the hope is the knock is a minor one that will not hamper his efforts to integrate into his new side.
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OPINION
Joe Thomas
Speaking after Everton fell to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield, Moyes said: “He just picked up a small injury in his hip/groin area. I don’t think it’s too bad, but it was just enough that it wasn’t going to get him involved.”
Rohl would have been a useful asset for Moyes to have been able to call upon had he been available. The 23-year-old has the versatility to play across several midfield roles – helpful given the lack of depth in that position.
That vulnerability was one of the reasons Everton moved for the Germany Under-21 international after a late push for West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek hit the buffers. Rohl, who came off the bench to make his debut against Aston Villa last week, had been on Everton’s radar for around a year and Moyes had attempted to bring him to Merseyside in January. His move is a season-long loan deal but will be made permanent for a fee of around £18m should Everton avoid relegation.