Everton boss Sean Dyche has given an update on Dwight McNeil’s current injury.
Everton are dealing with a number of fitness and injury issues at the moment. Arnaut Danjuma is working his way up to full fitness, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being closely monitored.
Dwight McNeil is set to miss the first game of the new Premier League season against Fulham on Saturday.
Sean Dyche has discussed how the Toffees will cope with McNeil’s absence. The Everton boss said Alex Iwobi or James Garner could deputise for the sidelined winger. Managing his squad’s fitness in general remains a huge challenge. As Dyche himself stated, “we’re still trying to fast-track players into fitness without breaking them. Time is one of the hardest things giving them enough to make sure they’re ready and can perform but not so much where their injury breaks,” as quoted by Liverpool World.
Dyche faces a tough challenge at Goodison Park this season. Everton came very close to relegation last time out, and the pressure will be on for him to steer the Merseyside club clear of trouble this time around.
Assessing Dyche’s options to replace McNeil
He will be hoping that McNeil can get fit and ready to play as soon as possible, as the winger plays a crucial role in his side’s attacking approach play. In the meantime, Iwobi certainly has the capability to fill in in that role.
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The former-Arsenal man has played much of his football on the flanks throughout his career. Although he has starred for Everton in a more central role, he operated as a winger for the Gunners.
Equally, Garner’s technical ability and creative flair would be an interesting option for Dyche to go with in that position. Danjuma may well be introduced from the bench against Fulham, too.
The fact that Demarai Gray wasn’t mentioned by the manager sends a clear message about his future at Goodison Park.