Delight for Everton as ‘brilliant’ player set to return to full training after 12 weeks sidelined through injury

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There has been very little for Everton fans to cheer about this season with plenty of struggles endured already.

Sean Dyche will feel he has been up against it this term having seen a number of his players suffer injury issues.

Everton have only been able to pick up three wins this season which has seen Dyche’s position come under scrutiny of late.

The Friedkin Group are handing Dyche some further time to turn things around, but the league games are not getting any easier.

However, there may just be some encouraging news for the Toffees ahead of this week’s fixtures which suggests one of their long-term absentees is nearing a return.

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James Garner set for Everton training return

After months on the sidelines, James Garner has made his return to the grass at Finch Farm.

However, the midfielder is yet to join back up with his Everton teammates in full participation as he is slowly being integrated back into the axtion.

Speaking on Tuesday in his pre-Peterborough United press conference, Dyche claimed Garner should be back in full training next week.

“Jimmy might get a chance to join in with us properly – as in the main group – next week,” said Dyche.

“Tim [Iroegbunam] is probably about a week behind that, but there are positive signs, not just from the work they’ve done with the physio but the sports science group. So, got to sort of blend that into training.”

Everton fans were devastated to see Garner injured earlier this season ahead of the game against Southampton.

But it seems as if the wait for his return is almost over.

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Everton still eyeing a new midfielder

Although it looks like Dyche will be handed a double boost with Garner and Iroegbunam nearing their return, a new midfielder may still be on the radar.

The Friedkin Group want to sign a new midfielder and forward this month, with Everton in need of some serious improvement.

What this means is Garner may not be needing to be rushed back into the starting XI if there are any further injuries to the likes of Idrissa Gueye.

Sue Smith praised Garner as ‘brilliant’ and he has been a significant absence considering he started 34 league games last term.