Jordan Pickford absence explained as Everton keeper misses Newcastle clash

Jordan Pickford has been ruled out of Everton's clash with Newcastle United after a positive Covid-19 test. The former Sunderland goalkeeper has endured several memorable clashes with the Toon Army since signing for the Toffees in the summer of 2017.

Pickford, who grew up in Washington, is regularly the subject of headlines when he faces the Magpies. The England international has struggled on his recent visits to St James' Park, including a 3-2 defeat in March 2019 where the goalkeeper was lucky to avoid a red card and was guilty of contributing to a remarkable second-half turnaround for Rafa Benitez's side.

Former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti made the 'headline' decision to rest Pickford for the 2-1 away defeat to Newcastle in November 2020, and the 28-year-old was taunted by the home crowd once again as Eddie Howe's side earned a 3-1 victory last month. However, Pickford's omission from the squad for the return fixture is down to illness with Asmir Begovic named as his replacement.

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Explaining his absence, Everton boss Frank Lampard said: “Jordan Pickford’s not well, Van De Beek is not well, and with that a couple of changes to the team. Dominic is just shy of full fitness. He’s been ill himself. He’s been training with us for a couple of days. We need fitness, we need freshness to be at our best.”

Michael Keane, Allan and Alex Iwobi were the others to come into the Everton starting eleven, with Donny van de Beek, Jonjoe Kenny and Vitalii Mykolenko dropping out. Joelinton returned for the visitors after a two-match absence, with Ryan Fraser, Emil Krafth, Joe Willock also earning starts.