Everton: Dyche has £15m man at his disposal in midfield amid Amadou Onana injury concern

Everton will aim for their third win in four games when they take on Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday. Ahead of the tie, Sean Dyche could be forced to make a change in midfield if Amadou Onana isn’t available. Perhaps, James Garner could make a return.

Everton sprung out of the relegation zone with their 1-0 win over Leeds United last weekend at Goodison Park. It was a solid performance, especially from the midfield as Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure were outstanding. Onana had the support of the duo as Everton won the midfield battle.

However, the Belgian midfielder was forced off in the 74th minute as he experienced some discomfort earlier in the game and was replaced by Tom Davies. Onana had a knee issue which looked serious when he walked down straight through the tunnel after being substituted but Dyche later assured that it doesn’t look serious, as per Liverpool ECHO.

Everton boss has James Garner at his disposal amid Amadou Onana injury concern

Onana has been a cornerstone in Dyche’s system. He has been enormous in the last few games and the mere thought of not having the 21 year old in the midfield sounds like a nightmare. Everton cannot afford to lose Onana at this crucial juncture. Even though they have jumped out of the drop zone, they are hovering just above it and cannot rest on the mini victories as the battle still remains.

Dyche’s words regarding Onana’s fitness are comforting and the medical team would have the chance to manage Onana over the week. If the Belgian is rested for the Aston Villa game, Dyche could call upon Garner, who has recently returned from injury.

Summer signing Garner was sidelined because of a back injury since November and has returned to the pitch. Last week he played 72 minutes for the Everton U21 side as Dyche was present in the stands, evaluating Garner and Nathan Patterson.

Dyche could have Garner at his disposal against Villa and could work a way through it by not overusing Onana or Garner. If the former Burnley manager is unsure of Onana and Garner’s fitness and their inclusion, Tom Davies could be handed his first start under Dyche.

The first choice will be to get Onana back alongside Gueye and Doucoure as the trio have been functioning brilliantly in Dyche’s system. In case the Belgian is unavailable because of injury, Dyche has other options to call upon in the midfield.

Will James Garner replace Amadou Onana in the lineup if the Belgian is unfit?