Ndiaye return latest injury boost as Everton prepare for Ipswich

Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye returned to action yesterday and should be available for the Blues trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Everton FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
Everton FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League | Matt McNulty/GettyImages

Everton have been struggling with a number of injury issues since the start of the season with defenders in particular regularly being unavailable.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and Vitalii Mykolenko have been out for all or some of the Toffees opening matches.

These absences have contributed to the team having such a dreadful start to the campaign losing four straight before finally stabilizing things with three unbeaten games before the international break.

As well as these issues at the back, forward Yousef Chermiti has also been a long-term absence due to a serious foot injury.

And summer deadline day loan signing Armando Broja has also been out since joining at the last moment as the transfer window closed.

Losing Ndaiye as well would have been a huge blow to Sean Dyche as he prepares for a crucial run of games that could turn Everton's season around.

Fortunately, it seems as though the summer signing - who has proved a big hit with Blues supporters due to his dynamic attacking play and ability to take on beat opponents and create chances - will be fit after all for the match in East Anglia this weekend.

Hopefully he will be joined by Branthwaite, Patterson, Mykolenko and Coleman giving Dyche a near fully fit squad to choose from.

Over the next few weeks Everton have a great chance to try and turn their season around and gain some much-needed winning momentum with games against Ipswich and then Fulham, Southampton, West Ham and Brentford coming up.

On paper at least the majority of these matches could yield desperately needed points as the side try and haul themselves clear of the relegation zone.

A fully fit group of payers to pick from will certainly help to achieve this objective given that the Blues have such a small squad.