View: Everton’s European bid at risk as fitness update for key star still pending

Beto was forced off in the Merseyside derby for Everton after receiving a blow to the head.

The Guinea-Bissau international looked to have picked up quite the knock, with the striker gesturing at the time that his vision had become impaired.

Evidenced by clear swelling on the upper part of his eyebrow, it was enough to mean his day at Hill Dickinson ended prematurely.

Fortunately, it has since emerged that his substitution, as per journalist Giulia Bond, has not been deemed a concussion change, and he will not have to undergo the protocols associated.

Now, as Everton prepare for West Ham, Beto’s newfound importance has become evidently clear in a new reveal about the striker, but fans still await the latest on his injury.

How Beto’s 2026 performances have made him one of the most clinical in England

Beto popping up in the second half of a season is not new; the centre-forward has previously turned corners when it comes to the latter end of a season.

However, with European places on the line, there is more at stake for Everton this time around, and going without their star striker would be a real blow.

Thierno Barry has struggled to showcase he has the quality required at this level on numerous occasions, with Beto proving the opposite.

Since the turn of 2026, Beto has emerged as one of the most clinical strikers in the English top flight. The 28-year-old has netted seven goals from just 19 shots, handing him a 37 per cent conversion rate.

Additionally, he is averaging a goal every 81 minutes. It may sound cliché, but goals win you games, and David Moyes’ side are desperate for wins in the final five of the season.

At the moment, Beto has been the go-to goal-getter for the Toffees, and with just five games left, even missing just one match could be crucial.

If his injury against Liverpool is to keep him out of the West Ham clash, then Moyes will have to seek a solution that is not Barry.

Supporters will hopefully learn more about his status when Moyes speaks to the press ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

Iliman Ndiaye could be surprise centre-forward option

Trusting Barry to lead the line when Everton need points may not be wise. The Frenchman has scored just once in his last 10 Premier League appearances.

Moyes may feel he has no choice in the matter if Beto is unable to feature, but that is not entirely true.

While Iliman Ndiaye has not been used as a central striking option by Moyes, it is a position he has often been deployed in throughout his career.

The Scotsman could turn to the winger to fill in on this occasion. Ndiaye actually seems to perform better down the middle.

In 51 appearances he has 23 goal involvements, compared to just 13 in 49 games as a left winger. The decision could also catch Nuno Espirito Santo by surprise.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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