Everton manager Sean Dyche expects key duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Dwight McNeil to be available for Saturday’s game against Brentford.
The pair have both been nursing injuries in recent weeks, with Branthwaite withdrawing from the England squad due to a “minor” groin problem and McNeil having missed Everton’s 0-0 draw at West Ham before the break with a knee issue.
Both, though, have trained this week and are in with a chance of facing Thomas Frank’s side.
“Dwight’s had a really good week training,” Dyche said. “Jarrad trained today (Thursday) after settling things down, so we’ll see how he responds.
“We’re hopeful on that but he should be ok.”
Long-term absentees Armando Broja (Achilles), Youssef Chermiti (foot), Seamus Coleman (hamstring), James Garner (back) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) remain on the sidelines. However, all four have received positive news as they bid to make a comeback.
“He (Broja) has had a full week’s training but he does need a games programme obviously,” Dyche said. “We’re looking at the dates now as we wanted to ensure he came through his first full week. He said he feels good and feels fit so we’ll introduce a games programme once things align.
“Youssef is making good progress as well. He’s slightly behind (Broja) but had his first full day with us today, which was pleasing.
“Seamus is on the grass with the medical side, just taking the first steps back. Jimmy has had good news from the specialist but has been out a while and is going to have to be careful in the initial spell.
“Tim’s stress response in his foot is clearing up so he can start sort of semi loading again and making sure he starts his progress back.”
Dyche also responded to calls for Iliman Ndiaye to be moved into a central role by saying there is “no evidence” the Senegal international should be playing in the No 10 position.
The £15 million summer signing has impressed since joining from Marseille but has played the bulk of his minutes on the left wing so far.
“He’s doing well off the left,” Dyche said. “People keep telling me I should be playing him there. People keep telling me of my role as a manager.
“I think he can adapt to Everton. The modern No 10 has to defend from there. Dwight does it very well on the offensive side but has found the defensive side more of a challenge.
“It’s not as easy as you think getting the right passing lanes to stop the opposition and then attacking on turnovers over 95 minutes. That can be developed over time but he’s doing a good job coming off the left — he can wriggle and drive into the box. He’s still adapting.”
Everton are 16th in the Premier League table, three points off the relegation zone.
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