Everton Injury news: Triple Injury Boost for Everton ahead of Manchester City game

After the disappointing result at Southampton at the weekend, Everton and Frank Lampard had a triple injury boost as the players returned to training this week.

With morale low after another away day defeat on the south coast, it will give everyone a lift with the return of three key personnel to the training ranks.

Demarai Gray is back in full training after his hip flex issue he had during the game at Newcastle and he had to be replaced by Dele Alli in the first half at St James’ Park. His inclusion in full contact and team training means he will certainly be in Lampard’s thoughts for Saturday’s clash against league leaders Manchester City.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is another who has stepped up his training schedule this week after Lampard reported last week he had returned to individual training. After his groin injury against Aston Villa before Lampard was even appointed, it will be a key few days for Doucoure to mix with the new Everton regime.

Triple injury boost for Everton

Whether Lampard will include Doucoure in his line up for the clash with Manchester City is a decision for later in the week.

The third and most surprising update on the injury front is the earlier than expected return of defender Ben Godfrey after his muscle injury in Lampard’s first game in charge against Brentford in the FA Cup. Initially, Godfrey was given a six to eight week injury lay off, but it looks like he will be available for the FA Cup 5th Round tie against Boreham Wood which will be closer to five weeks.

Godfrey has started individual training this week so will not be considered for the Manchester City game this weekend, but if no setbacks should be available for a very busy schedule in March when Everton play 5 games in 18 days.

While Saturday’s game against Manchester City will be not seen as a crucial must take points match, it will be important for Lampard to see if his players can produce similar high octane performances like in his previous two home games with great results.

While the result may not happen against the best in the league, individuals will be playing for places after Everton’s poor showing at Southampton last weekend.

It is likely Gray only will play out of these three players, perhaps coming in and giving a rest to Anthony Gordon who showed signs of tiredness at the weekend.

Doucoure may be risked if Lampard wants to use a 4-3-3 formation and after Andre Gomes shocking second half display surely he will not be considered which will mean Allan and Donny Van De Beek being alongside him in midfield.

Michael Keane and Mason Holgate look like they’ll have to continue in the centre of defence with Jarrad Branthwaite looking at being included in the FA Cup tie next week along with a fit again Godfrey. The full back positions could see change with Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson pushing for inclusion.

At a crucial time of the season with a relegation battle looking likely, but a cup still to play for, these players returning from injury will up the competition for places and give Lampard more options as opposition that are varied in style and level are coming up before the international break.

Will the returning stars help Everton to secure a positive outcome against Manchester City?