Ronald Koeman says Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy weren’t risked against Middlesbrough after both players had been struggling with minor injuries in the lead up to the game.
Mirallas had a groin complaint, whilst McCarthy was troubled with a slight hamstring injury after his exertions against Bournemouth seven days earlier.
Koeman expects the two players to be back in contention for selection against Sunderland in a fortnight.
“They weren’t fit enough today,” Koeman told evertontv. “James was struggling after last weekend and, with his history this season, we didn’t take any risks.