Everton's Amadou Onana Misses Match Due to Muscle Fatigue

Manager Unai Emery cites player's muscle fatigue as reason for absence in 1-0 loss to Brentford.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:31pm

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana did not appear off the bench during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Brentford due to muscle fatigue, according to manager Unai Emery. Onana, who has been a regular starter for Everton this season, was held out of the match as a precautionary measure to avoid further injury.

Why it matters

Onana has been a key player for Everton this season, and his absence due to muscle fatigue is a concern for the club as they look to climb up the Premier League table. Muscle injuries can often linger, so Everton will need to carefully manage Onana's recovery to ensure he is available for future matches.

The details

According to Everton manager Unai Emery, Onana was held out of Sunday's match against Brentford due to muscle fatigue. Emery did not want to risk further injury by playing Onana, who has been a regular starter for Everton this season.

  • Onana missed Everton's 1-0 loss to Brentford on Sunday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Amadou Onana

A 21-year-old midfielder who has been a regular starter for Everton this season.

Unai Emery

The manager of Everton football club.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was not able to play because he had some muscle fatigue.”

— Unai Emery, Everton Manager

What’s next

Everton will need to closely monitor Onana's recovery and determine if he will be available for their next match.

The takeaway

Muscle injuries can be tricky for professional athletes, and Everton will need to carefully manage Onana's recovery to ensure he is available for future matches as they look to climb up the Premier League table.