Christian Nørgaard
EVE
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Mar 10, 1994 (32)
Right
6'2"
161 lb
Still well short of full fitness
Norgaard remains available for selection but is still some way from regaining full match fitness, with coach David Moyes suggesting the midfielder may not be fully ready until the next international break. "We didn't think he'd be fully-firing until probably the next international break, if we're being honest."
Analysis: Norgaard continues to struggle with his conditioning after recovering from a groin injury that disrupted his preparations for the 2026/27 campaign. The midfielder recently returned to competitive action, but coach Moyes admitted that his latest appearance revealed he was further behind in his recovery than initially anticipated. Having completed just seven days of training with Everton and missed virtually the entire preseason, Norgaard still needs considerable time to rebuild his physical sharpness and match fitness. Moyes also revealed that the midfielder acknowledged his own limitations following his recent involvement, reinforcing the need for a cautious approach to his workload. Although Norgaard remains an option off the bench, a return to the starting lineup appears unlikely in the immediate future. Everton are now targeting the next international break as a more realistic timeframe for the midfielder to regain full fitness and become capable of handling a more substantial role.
Still short of starting fitness
Norgaard is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea but remains unlikely to start as he continues to rebuild his match fitness, according to coach David Moyes. "Christian's still got a bit to go. A wee bit to go. I think we could use him at certain times if required, but I don't know if he's ready to start the game yet."
Analysis: Norgaard continues to make progress in his recovery from a groin injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks, although he remains some way from regaining full match fitness. The midfielder recently returned to team training and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly before becoming available for Sunday's matchup against Hull City. However, coach Moyes has emphasized that Norgaard is not yet ready to handle a significant workload, suggesting another appearance off the bench is more likely against Chelsea. His minutes should gradually increase as he rebuilds his conditioning, but a return to the starting lineup appears premature at this stage. Norgaard nevertheless provides Everton with an additional option in central midfield as he works toward full fitness.
Available off bench against Hull City
Norgaard (groin) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City but remains well short of full match fitness, according to coach David Moyes. "It's good, but he's a long way off yet so I have to dampen that. Has he got some minutes in him? Yes, but not lots."
Analysis: Norgaard returns to Everton's matchday squad after making progress in his recovery from a groin injury that had sidelined him for several weeks. The midfielder recently resumed team training and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly, but he remains some way from regaining full match fitness. His involvement against Hull City is therefore expected to be limited to a brief appearance off the bench, with his workload likely to increase gradually over the coming weeks. His return nevertheless provides Everton with additional depth in central midfield.
Doubtful despite fitness progress
Norgaard (groin) remains doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City despite recently featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly, according to coach David Moyes. "We had a behind-closed-doors game and he had the first minutes he's had for a long time. He's making progress, but I don't know if he's quite ready yet to be involved. But with our numbers being so short, it might be something we have to look at."
Analysis: Norgaard has taken another encouraging step in his recovery from a groin injury after returning to team training and playing his first minutes in several weeks during a behind-closed-doors friendly. However, manager Moyes' latest comments suggest the midfielder is still short of full match fitness, leaving his availability for Sunday's trip to Hull City uncertain. Everton's limited midfield options could force the coaching staff to consider including him in the squad earlier than initially planned, although his workload would likely be managed if he features. Once fully fit, Norgaard should provide much-needed depth and experience in central midfield.
Training on grass Tuesday
Norgaard (groin) was spotted in training Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from injury.
Analysis: Norgaard finally returned to training on the grass, but the midfielder has to clear several hurdles before being ready to return to a competitive match. He'll ahve roughly two weeks to get into shape with an eye toward making the squad for the Oct. 11 match at Hull City in the resumption of the league. Once he's healthy, Norgaard will add some much-needed depth for an Everton side that needs more bodies in central midfield.
Targeting return after break
Norgaard (groin) is still unavailable and hasn't yet resumed training on grass, according to coach David Moyes. "He's still unavailable. We're hoping to get him back somewhere after the international break - that's what we're hoping. I don't think we thought or expected it to be as long as this. He's hugely important to us, he's someone who we're looking forward to gain his experience. We've not had him on the grass yet, but hopefully it won't be too long."
Analysis: Norgaard joined Everton from Arsenal earlier this month but has yet to make his debut, with manager Moyes' comments now suggesting a longer than expected recovery process. Harrison Armstrong, Hayden Hackney and James Garner figure to continue providing cover in central midfield until Norgaard is fit to return.
Won't return before break
Norgaard (groin) won't return before the international break, according to manager David Moyes.
Analysis: The veteran manager revealed that the central midfielder, who joined the club from Arsenal earlier this month, isn't expected to be fit before the international break at the end of this month. Norgaard should add some much-needed depth in midfield once he's fit, but as things stand now, the Oct. 11 game against Hull City could be the earliest he'd be able to return to the side. That leaves Harrison Armstrong, Hayden Hackney and James Garner as the options to provide cover in central midfield as long as the Dane remains sidelined.
Not making great progress
Norgaard (undisclosed) is still not making great progress in his recovery and is still not an option for Everton, according to coach David Moyes. "Christian is still not making great progress at the moment. It's not something where we're going to get him back quickly, so we need to see how that develops."
Analysis: Norgaard had already been ruled out of the season opener against Crystal Palace, and this update suggests his return remains further off than initially hoped despite earlier reports of positive trending. Harrison Armstrong figures to continue pairing with James Garner in midfield until he is back available.
Not ready for opener
Norgaard (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace, according to coach David Moyes. "We don't have Norgaard fit yet"
Analysis: Norgaard's continued absence, alongside that of James Garner, leaves Everton short in central midfield to begin the campaign, even as his recovery had reportedly been trending in a positive direction in recent days. Harrison Armstrong is expected to pair with Hayden Hackney in midfield until both Norgaard and Garner are back available.
Sidelined for start of season
Norgaard (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace, with no firm return date given though his recovery reportedly appears close, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Norgaard nonetheless said he's getting very close to a return, offering a positive sign even though he won't be ready in time for the opener. His absence, along with the continued absence of James Garner, leaves Everton short in central midfield to begin the campaign. Norgaard is expected to continue working toward full fitness with a return targeted in the coming days. Harrison Armstrong is expected to pair with Hayden Hackney in midfield until both Norgaard and Garner are back available.
Completes Everton move
Norgaard completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Everton on Wednesday.
Analysis: Norgaard was expected to play a secondary role at Arsenal in the 2026/27 season, but he's more likely to see regular playing time at Everton -- perhaps in a similar capacity as he did at Brentford in 2024/25, when he started 34 EPL appearances and logged over 2,800 minutes. Norgaard won't carry a lot of fantasy appeal due to the defensive-minded nature of his role in midfield, but he should at least play more regularly compared to the 2025/26 campaign.
Available for UCL final
Norgaard (undisclosed) wasn't mentioned as an injury casualty ahead of Saturday's UCL final against PSG, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Timber is fit, Noni [Madueke] as well. The only one [absentee] is Ben White."
Analysis: Norgaaard has been a depth option in Arsenal's midfield throughout the 2025/26 season, so even if he's fit, he's not expected to start. He shouldn't carry a ton of fantasy appeal in most formats as a holding midfielder who has tallied just 309 minutes across six appearances in UCL this season with zero goal contributions.
Forced off at halftime
Norgaard (undisclosed) lasted just 45 minutes on his first Premier League start of the season against Crystal Palace before being replaced at halftime, with the midfielder seen speaking to an Arsenal physio on his way off the pitch, raising some concern ahead of the Champions League final against PSG on May 30, according to Tashan Deniran-Alleyne of The Standard.
Analysis: Norgaard was forced off at halftime during Sunday's season finale against Palace and no details have been provided on the nature of the issue, but the sight of Norgaard consulting the medical staff at halftime is a concern for manager Mikel Arteta heading into the Champions League final against PSG on May 30. The club will assess the versatile midfielder over the coming days before providing any clarity on their availability for the Budapest showpiece. That said, Norgaard has only been a bench option this season for the Gunners, therefore a potential absence will not impact much the starting XI.
Returns to bench
Norgaard (undisclosed) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Athletic.
Analysis: Norgaard is back with his team after a start to the season on the sidelines, missing every match to this point due to an undisclosed injury. He will now hope to see some time after the delay to his campaign, likely to move forward in a depth role for the club.
Remains sidelined
Norgaard (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Norgaard is not an option once again Sunday, still awaiting his Gunner debut after joining this summer. He was close to being involved so a return could be on the horizon, although he will likely be set for a bench spot.
Could be involved
Norgaard (undisclosed) is a late call for Sunday's match against Liverpool, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "That's another two that we don't know yet. Again, tomorrow we have another day, let's see how they evolve, and there's a chance to keep them involved in the game."
Analysis: Norgaard is on the mend and continues to work for his debut with the Gunners after an injury-plagued the start of his season, with the midfielder now a late call to face Liverpool. He would likely rejoin the team as a depth option and only earn a spot on the bench, although that could be a huge help with Martin Odegaard (shoulder) also questionable.
Doesn't feature in training
Norgaard (undisclosed) doesn't feature in the open training session at the Emirates on Wednesday, according to Simon Collings of The Standard.
Analysis: Norgaard missed Sunday's season opener against Manchester United due to a small issue that needed to be addressed by the medical staff and has not yet returned to training, as he was not spotted in the open session on Wednesday. This is a blow for Arsenal since it leaves him a doubt for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, although he will likely hold a rotational role for his first season at the club.
Misses opener due to injury
Norgaard missed the season opener against Manchester United on Sunday due to a little issue, coach Mikel Arteta said in a press conference. "He had a little issue the medical staff will address. He wasn't able to play today."
Analysis: Norgaard wasn't able to play in Sunday's season opener against the Red Devils due to a minor issue that the medical staff will address in the coming days. The exact reason and his timeline for return remain uncertain, although the problem appears to be minor and should allow him to return soon. That said, Norgaard is expected to be a depth option in the midfield for the Gunners, therefore his absence doesn't impact the starting XI.
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