Everton could face Fulham without Dwight McNeil next week.
That’s according to El Bobble, who has reported that the winger is currently being assessed after he suffered an injury during their pre-season clash with Stoke City.
McNeil was forced off as the Toffees beat Stoke on Saturday and the report claims his injury could be worse than first feared, with the 23-year-old now continuing treatment at Finch Farm.
McNeil was set to be an important player for Sean Dyche this season and would definitely have started if he was available for their Premier League opener next weekend.
The former Burnley star struggled to kickstart his career at Goodison Park following £20 million switch last summer, however he was able to reignite his form once he was reunited with Dyche.
The attacker ended the campaign as Everton’s top goalscorer, claiming seven goals and three assists in the top flight.
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It’s yet to be made clear how long McNeil could be out for, but fans will be hopeful that he can return after the opening day match on Merseyside. The meeting with Fulham is followed by matches against Aston Villa and Wolves.
Who will start against Fulham instead of Dwight McNeil?
Dwight McNeil looked extremely likely to start for Everton next weekend, with their starting line-up against Stoke City probably quite similar to that of the Fulham clash.
If the winger is to be sidelined for the Merseyside meeting then Sean Dyche could instead push Arnaut Danjuma onto the wing – where he is likely to feature for the Toffees.
The incoming Youssef Chermiti could also be handed a start in attack, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be hoping he will also be fit to claim that spot up top.
Everton currently have very few options to fill in for McNeil, though Lewis Dobbin is one player that will be working hard to make it into the club’s first team plans.