Everton resume their Premier League campaign against West Ham United after the dull International break. Everton went into the international break, sitting fifth in the Premier League table with 14 points in seven games. The 14 day gap allowed some of the injured Everton players like Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and other players on the injury list to continue their recovery.
Calvert-Lewin has been out of action since 28th August and continues to rehabilitate from his quadricep injury. Richarlison and Coleman played against Burnley but has been out of action ever since. On the other hand, Andre Gomes picked up a calf injury against QPR in the Carabao Cup and has not yet returned to the lineup.
Meanwhile, Everton did have an injury scare when Lucas Digne withdrew from the France squad and returned to Finch Farm due to a hamstring injury. Lastly, Alex Iwobi was out against Manchester United which saw youngster Anthony Gordon get a start at the Old Trafford.
Ahead of the West Ham United game, Benitez addressed the injury issues in the squad and whether any of the sidelined players are ready to make a return. Thankfully, Everton have received some boost as few key players are ready to return.
Everton Injury update ahead of the West Ham United clash
"Lucas is fine, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin are closer but still not available for this game. They are working [Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes], trying to be ready as soon as possible but they are in the process and still not available. Yerry is coming back, has been playing a lot of minutes. Now he is travelling so hopefully, he will be here. (via club’s official Youtube Channel)"
Yerry Mina played a FIFA World Cup qualifier late on Thursday in Colombia which raised concerns over his availability on Sunday as he would’ve missed training sessions and possibly not have the desired match fitness after playing three games in a span of seven days.
Rafa Benitez also spoke to the club’s official website on Thursday and handed Everton a triple injury boost as Coleman, Digne and Iwobi have returned to full training. The availability of the two natural full backs will massively help the Toffees as previously it was Ben Godfrey who deputized in the right back role meanwhile, Digne being fit will be a sigh of relief as he is the only natural left back in the squad.
"The international break is an opportunity to bring back players. Alex Iwobi was training and [so were] Digne and Coleman – that is good news for us – they have started training with the team. The others are improving and we will see in the week how they are. Lucas had an issue and for two or three days was under treatment but he has started training. (via club’s official website)"
With the return of Coleman and Iwobi, Benitez will have some options to tinker with but as Richarlison and DCL remain out, it is likely that Salomon Rondon and Gray will start upfront.