As the last international break of 2024 draws to a close, the familiar sense of dread that comes with every approaching Everton game is also creeping up. The Toffees have failed to score in their last two games — both away — a defeat to bottom-side Southampton and then a timid scoreless draw at West Ham United.
Next up though are the free-scoring Brentford at Goodison Park, and manager Sean Dyche provided a squad update in his pre-match press conference earlier today with some much-needed positive news on the fitness of key players Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite.
“Dwight has come through really well and has had a really good week. Jarrad has trained today [Thursday] after settling things down, so we’ll see how he responds overnight but we’re hopeful on that and he should be okay.”
Forwards Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti have both been out for a few months as they recover from foot injuries, but the pair are both now in training with the on-loan striker from Chelsea getting closer to making his first Toffees appearance.
“Broja [won’t be] involved but he’s back training. He’s only just getting back into full training, he’s been doing bits, light bits and we’ve been getting him integrated into the group, as much for his injury as well. He’s had a full week of training but he needs a game programme, obviously.
“We’re looking at dates [for games] now because we wanted to make sure he came through his first full week – he’s done well with that. He said he feels good and he’s looking fit so we’ll introduce the games programme as soon as the medical, sports science and myself align – but it’s very soon now, I think.
“Youssef is making good progress as well. He’s slightly behind [Broja in terms of his rehab] – but he had his first full day with us today [Thursday]. That’s pleasing, because he’s worked very hard after a very unfortunate injury.
“They’re two different styles of centre forwards and we’ll see what they offer but first thing first is to get them fully fit and out there playing.”
The Blues have three other players all still out with injuries including club captain Seamus Coleman who strained a hamstring), and midfielders James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam with back and foot issues respectively.
“Seamus is on the grass but he’s with the medical side so he’s just taking the first steps back.
“Jimmy [Garner] has had good news from the specialist, although he’s been out a while now so he’s going to have to start the training period again. You have to be careful with back injuries in the initial spell.
“Tim is similar but different. The stress response in his foot is clearing up so he can start semi-loading again now and making sure that he starts his progress to getting back.”
With McNeil returning, Dyche will have to make a decision whether to start Jesper Lindstrom or Jack Harrison out on the right, and which pair of midfielders to go with between Idrissa Gana Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala.
