Everton manager Ronald Koeman facing squad crisis with nine players unavailable for Watford clash

Everton manager Ronald Koeman is set to be without a host of first-team players for his side's final home game of the season against Watford on Friday (12 May) with Maarten Stekelenburg, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ademola Lookman and Jonjoe Kenny all unavailable for the clash at Goodison Park.

Stekelenburg is suffering from a groin problem while Kenny, Calvert-Lewin and Lookman are all away with the England Under-20s ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Koeman is already without a number of established stars including Seamus Coleman and Yannick Bolasie, but he was able to provide a slither of good news as he confirmed Morgan Schneiderlin's return to full fitness.

Asked about Everton's injury problems, Koeman said in his press conference: "It's a long list. Stekelenburg's not fit, he has a groin problem, Seamus we know, Funes we know, Bolasie we know, McCarthy we know, Lennon we know.

"I took the decision to leave the young boys to the England Under-20s. Young players need experience, they will play in the World Cup and that's good for the development of Jonjoe Kenny, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman."

Everton were simply atrocious at home under Roberto Martinez last season, but Koeman has managed to make Goodison Park a fortress once again. The former Southampton manager has thoroughly enjoyed Everton's 12 home league wins this season, and is keen to see his side approach the game against Walter Mazzari's men with the right attitude after being angered by the Toffees' commitment during their recent bore draw against West Ham United.

"We had a great time at Goodison Park, great wins," Koeman added. "Sometimes you forget because we live in such a fast world but the wins against Arsenal and Manchester City, the draws against Tottenham and Manchester United, we had a great home season and we want to finish strongly because the fans deserve a win.

"I expect always [a good attitude] and that was why I was so disappointed and upset after the West Ham game, but the Swansea City game was different, not our best as we didn't create many chances but the attitude was okay. It's different if you play home because [you] have more pressure from the fans."