A three-match ban for the striker was a significant setback...

A three-match ban for the striker was a significant setback for Everton

A huge setback to Everton’s future fixtures is that Martina Piemonte will serve a

three-match suspension following an incident in their WSL match against Bristol City.

The striker scored her first goal for the team in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with the Robins after joining the Blues from AC Milan in the summer.

Piemonte played 82 minutes of the match before being replaced,

and manager Brian Sorensen gave her acclaim for her efforts following the game.

“He said, ‘[Piemonte] was good today. “It’s good that she achieved her first objective,

and hopefully she can keep going.” After an off-the-ball altercation during the game,

the Italy international has since been charged with aggressive conduct.

The striker’s suspension will start right away because Everton has decided not to appeal the ruling.

Piemonte won’t be available for the Blues’ next League Cup home game against

Liverpool as well as their trips to West Ham United and Aston Villa.

For Sorensen’s team, who are now ranked 10th on the WSL table, it is a severe blow.

On Sunday, they’ll go to Villa Park, where a win would put them ahead of their opponents,

who have also had trouble this season.

In his pregame press conference, Sorensen stated,

“I told the girls, after eight games last year we had nine points,

if we win on Sunday we’ll have eight points.”

“There’s no concern since we had a pretty successful season last year.

We are aware that, given everything we put into them, a lot of the games we’ve had should have been better.

However, we are aware that the table is what matters.

We want to win so that we can start the international break on a positive note because we know how important Sunday is.”