Merlin Röhl
EVE
Right Back
Right Winger
Balanced Full Back
Jul 5, 2002 (24)
Right
6'4"
165 lb
Starts at right-back
Rohl recorded three crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Analysis: Rohl was deployed at right-back against Arsenal after previously starting on the right side of midfield against Chelsea, highlighting his versatility within Everton's lineup. The German contributed three accurate crosses and three interceptions, combining attacking involvement with defensive responsibilities despite the defeat. He has now recorded 12 crosses, seven tackles, five interceptions and nine clearances across five Premier League appearances this season. His ability to operate in multiple positions could help him maintain regular involvement, although his starting role may continue to fluctuate depending on Everton's tactical setup and available personnel.
Named among substitutes
Rohl (undisclosed) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City after recovering from a minor injury.
Analysis: Rohl returns to Everton's matchday squad after resuming training during the international break and overcoming the issue that had kept him sidelined. The German midfielder has impressed while operating in an unfamiliar right-back role this season, recording seven crosses, six clearances and five tackles across his previous three Premier League starts. Although he is not in the starting lineup against Hull City, he provides additional versatility and could challenge Ainsley Maitland-Niles for minutes on the right side of defense as he works his way back into regular action.
Available for Hull City clash
Rohl (undisclosed) has been training during the international break and appears available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City after being omitted from the injury report provided by coach David Moyes.
Analysis: Rohl has made encouraging progress in his recovery from a minor injury, having previously indicated that his rehabilitation was going well before resuming training during the international break. His omission from coach Moyes' latest injury update suggests he has overcome the issue and should be an option for Sunday's matchup. The versatile German has impressed in an unfamiliar right-back role this season despite being primarily a midfielder, recording seven crosses, six clearances and five tackles across his previous three league starts. Rohl could now challenge Ainsley Maitland-Niles for playing time on the right side of Everton's defense, although his minutes could initially be managed following his recent absence.
Progressing well
Rohl (undisclosed) said his rehabilitation from a small injury is "going really well" in a video posted by the club.
Analysis: Rohl now appears close to being available, although he could initially play as a substitute before contending with Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back. Despite joining Everton as a midfielder, the German has shown versatility and made a good impression after a shift to a right-back role at the beginning of the 2026/27 season. Over his previous three league starts, he tallied seven crosses (one accurate), six clearances and five tackles.
Targets return after international break
Rohl (undisclosed) remains out and will hope to return fit by the end of the international break, according to coach David Moyes. "Merlin's not available yet. Hopefully he'll be ready by the end of the international break."
Analysis: Rohl had already missed both the draw with Tottenham and the EFL Cup match against Wolverhampton, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles having filled in at right back during his absence. This update now confirms he will also miss Saturday's match against Ipswich Town, with the international break offering the next realistic target to work on his return and be fit for the clash against Hull City on Oct. 11.
Won't play in EFL Cup
Rohl (undisclosed) won't be part of the squad for Wednesday's EFL Cup match against Wolverhampton, according to Christopher Beesley of The Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Rohl missed the 0-0 draw against Tottenham on Saturday in the Premier League, and he won't be able to suit up on the quick turnaround Wednesday. That means Ainsley Maitland-Niles could get the nod at right-back unless manager David Moyes decides to rotate the side. Rohl's next chance to play will come against Ipswich Town on Saturday, Sept. 19, but otherwise, he'd have to wait until after the international break in October to return.
Misses out through injury
Rohlwas left out of the squad for Saturday's game against Tottenham due to injury, manager David Moyes confirmed.
Analysis: Rohl's absence ended a run of starts at right-back stretching back to the opening weekend, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles stepping in and helping Everton to a goalless draw at Tottenham. No details have been provided on the nature or severity of the issue, leaving his availability for Everton's next fixture unclear.
Creates chance Sunday
Rohl recorded two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 64th minute.
Analysis: Rohl created a single chance during Sunday's draw. He got the start in the backline and did well throughout the match. He was impressive in that role, but it clearly wasn't his normal position. Rohl offers versatility that means he should continue to get chances in the starting XI up and down the pitch.
Wins three tackles in draw
Rohl registered three crosses (zero accurate) and three tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Rohl logged 86 minutes at right-back, sending in three crosses without finding a teammate while finishing with no shots or corners during a disciplined defensive shift that helped Everton stay compact. He was replaced in the closing stages as the Toffees managed the game following James Tarkowski's late equalizer. Rohl also won three tackles and chipped in two clearances to help Everton secure a point, leaving them near the top of the table with four points through two matches.
Impresses at right-back
Rohl generated two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Rohl started at right-back in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace after an impressive pre-season earned him the nod from coach David Moyes, registering one chance created, two crosses and one interception. The right-back's willingness to contribute in the attacking phase and his defensive solidity give Everton a versatile and energetic option at right-back, and his opening-day display suggests he has done enough to retain the starting role heading into the Bournemouth fixture.
Signs permanently for Everton
Rohl has completed his permanent transfer to Everton from Freiburg after the club triggered their obligation to buy, the club announced.
Analysis: Rohl made 20 appearances during his debut season on Merseyside after joining on an initial loan in September 2025, scoring his first Premier League goal against Sunderland in the final home game of the campaign. Rohl endured a difficult start that included an operation and a spell out of the starting lineup before earning the trust of coach David Moyes with a strong performance against Manchester City that led to more regular starts toward the end of the season. The midfielder expressed his love for the city, the club and the unique atmosphere at Hill Dickinson Stadium, describing Everton as the perfect club for him as both a person and a footballer heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
Nets goal
Rohl scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 3-1 loss against Sunderland.
Analysis: Rohl came up with the opening goal Sunday before his club's eventual loss, finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute. The midfielder earned his third straight start as well, seemingly earning a starting role after a great match against Manchester City. This does give him his first goal contribution all season, coming after 15 appearances (five starts).
Four tackles in first PL start
Rohl had one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: With Carlos Alcaraz (undisclosed) sidelined by injury, Rohl made his first start in an attacking midfield role and played the full 90 minutes. He attempted one shot and provided solid defensive work with four tackles (won three) along with four clearances and one block.
Fit for bench
Rohl (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Rohl was likely to be an option if he passed a fitness test, and after passing some testing, the midfielder is an option from the bench. He will now hope to get accustomed to his new team after injury struggles to begin the campaign, having yet to start in six appearances.
Late fitness call against Arsenal
Rohl (groin) trained with the team this week and will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Arsenal, coach David Moyes said in the press conference. "Merlin is back. He's been training and hopefully he'll be back and available for the game."
Analysis: Rohl seems to have fully recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him since five games as he was back in full team training this week. The midfielder will be assessed after the final training session and hope to be part of the squad for Saturday's clash against the Gunners. That said, he has mainly been a bench option this season, therefore his return will not affect the starting XI.
Returns to training on grass
Rohl (groin) is back on grass, according to manager David Moyes. "With Jared and Merlin, they are back on the grass doing some work. Merlin is obviously much further on than Jared. But they are both back on the grass, and hopefully we will start to see a chance to get them back soon."
Analysis: Rohl is progressing through his recovery with a major step in his return this week, with the midfielder back on grass to train. This likely leaves group training just a week or so away for the midfielder, potentially an option by the end of December. He served in a rotational option for the club when fit, hoping to give their summer signing some more chances once fit.
Undergoes hernia operation
Rohl is not an option for the time being due to a hernia operation, according to manager David Moyes. "Unfortunately, Merlin had an operation a week last Monday on his hernia. It's going to keep him out for a few weeks. Hopefully, by the time we get around to December, he'll be fit and ready to go again."
Analysis: Rohl is hitting the sidelines following the break, as the midfielder had to undergo surgery on a hernia and will miss a few weeks due to the injury. This is a minor loss for the club as they lose a summer signing, having yet to start a match this season. He will hope to return to the team sheet in mid-December, although that will depend on his recovery.
Available off bench
Rohl (hip) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Manchester City.
Analysis: Rohl has recovered from a hip injury and is expected to be available off the bench for Saturday's match against Manchester City. He returned to full team training this week and looks ready to rejoin the matchday squad. The young midfielder came off the bench in each of the first three Premier League games and should maintain that role for now.
Could be in contention
Rohl (hip) is back in team training and could be available for Saturday's clash against Manchester City, coach David Moyes said in the press conference.
Analysis: Rohl missed the last three games due to a hip injury but was spotted back in team training this week, suggesting he could be part of the squad that will face Manchester City on Saturday. That said, the young midfielder has only been a bench option in the first three games of the Premier League season and should keep a similar role moving forward for the Toffees.
Not training on grass
Rohl (hip) isn't back training on grass yet, according to manager David Moyes. "Both the same - no change, neither of them fit for the game but they're both making progress and, with a little bit of luck, we'll start to get them on the grass. We've not got them on the grass yet in training, so that's where we're at."
Analysis: Rohl is still sidelined, and has yet to get back training on the grass. There's some optimism that he will be back training during the international break, with a return for an Oct. 18 trip to Manchester City. Rohl is likely to be a bench option when fit, though he should be a significant rotational option in holding midfield.
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