Which Premier League team is prepared to lose their goalkeeper to injury…
BBC Sport have today confirmed that Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will be out of action for up to six weeks because of a calf injury. The American was replaced at half-time in the 1-0 home defeat against Stoke on Boxing Day.
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Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles came on in that game and played in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle two days later. With the Toffees struggling for form so far this season, they will be extremely concerned by the loss, especially considering their lack of quality back-up.
A reserve goalkeeper is always a difficult position to fill, as it’s hard to keep a quality player satisfied with sitting on the bench. But here are the ten best prepared Premier League sides:
10) Joel Robles (Everton)
The Spaniard impressed during his time at Wigan, but his lack of game time has seen his development stall at Everton, and he has looked shaky since his inclusion in the team. Needs a confidence boost.
9) Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United)
Was once thought of as a rival to David de Gea’s place in the team. He has no chance these days, and has been left to sit out the remainder of his contract on the bench. With United out of the League Cup early, he’s found chances even harder to come by.
8) Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea City)
Has done a decent job in recent years when required to fill in for Michel Vorm, and is now providing a similar service for Lukas Fabianski. Not a starter by any means, but a reliable second choice.
7) Vito Mannone (Sunderland)
As only recently lost his place in the team to Costel Pantilimon – he’s capable of a mistake, but also played a crucial role in ensuring Sunderland’s Premier League survival last season. He will get another chance.
6) Alex McCarthy (Queens Park Rangers)
Impressed during his time at Reading and was even talked about as a potential Liverpool signing. Has been left behind Rob Green in the Rangers pecking order, but is still young and could get a chance before long.
5) Jack Butland (Stoke City)
An England international who we’re still waiting to reach his full potential. As been talked about as a big name of the future for several years now, but is still struggling to secure a place in the Stoke team, let alone anywhere else.
4) David Ospina (Arsenal)
We’ve yet to see much of the Colombian thus far due to injury, but on the odd appearance he has made, he has looked assured enough. It will be interesting to see if he gets a few more chances when he returns to full fitness.
3) Michel Vorm (Tottenham Hotspur)
It came as something as a surprise that Vorm would be willing to sit on the bench at Spurs, considering he was a regular starter at Swansea and part of the Dutch World Cup squad. But he is, and Tottenham will be pleased to have him.
2) Willy Caballero (Manchester City)
A highly experienced European veteran, his presence has forced Joe Hart to up his game in order to keep his place, and by doing so you could argue that Caballero has already done the job he was brought into do.
1) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Should be starting, and probably would be at almost any other Premier League club. But the arrival of Thibaut Courtois has ended his decade long stranglehold over the Blues number one spot, and he will likely only stay until the end of the season at the latest.
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