Ahead of Everton’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, Sean Dyche has shared an update on the current injury list with James Garner back in training.
Everton will be hoping to emulate their performances pre-Nottingham Forest on Saturday as they head down to the south coast to face Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
Dyche’s side were four games unbeaten before Forest and secured some hard-fought draws against top-six sides.
The Everton boss will be happy with some returnees on the horizon, one of which is Garner who has returned to training alongside summer signing Tim Iroegbunam, as Dyche shared an update in his press conference this afternoon.
Dyche reveals Garner return to training with Coleman and McNeil still sidelined
Dyche held his pre-match press conference ahead of the Bournemouth trip on Thursday afternoon with some much-needed answers revealed.
Dyche does not expect Dwight McNeil to be available at the weekend after McNeil suffered a knee injury before the Arsenal game a few weeks ago.
This is alongside Seamus Coleman who is once again facing a spell on the sidelines after missing the Toffees’ 2-0 defeat to Forest.
Some positive news however sees Garner back in training who has been a revelation since his permanent switch from Manchester United in 2022.
Dyche labelled that Garner was ‘back on the grass’ alongside Iroegbunam with the pair both being sidelined since October, as Everton fans can look forward to the duo’s return.
‘Incredible’ Garner could be key upon return for Everton
It’s been a difficult season for Garner who has only featured five times in all competitions for the Toffees, as his return to training will be looked upon with much-needed positivity.
Now in his third season at Goodison Park, Garner has been a mainstay in Everton’s system, with Dyche an admirer of Garner having praised him highly.
He’s clearly a fan favourite around the club and that goes for the staff as well, assistant manager Ian Woan believes Garner is ‘incredible’ and has highlighted his ability to adjust to different positions and flourish there.
This was evident last season with Garner who played in five different positions as he was a vital component for Everton throughout the campaign.
- Central midfield – 22 games played
- Right midfield – 9 games played
- Defensive midfield – 7 games played
- Attacking midfield – 3 games played
- Left midfield – 1 game played
A player like Garner is a rarity in the modern game, and it comes as no surprise why everyone surrounding Everton will look at his return with glee.
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