Sean Dyche claims £33m Everton player will be assessed tomorrow ahead of Burnley 

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Everton have been ravaged by injuries this season, with key men missing extended periods across integral parts of the season.

Contending with that, as well as unrelenting takeover talk and a second deduction still looming, has made this a near-impossible job for Sean Dyche.

And yet, he goes about his work with minimal fuss.

However, he will certainly come under intense scrutiny ahead of this weekend’s match, as he faces off against a fellow relegation battler knowing just how crucial a win could be.

Amadou Onana could be an injury doubt for Burnley

Speaking to his press conference earlier today, the former Burnley boss, who returns to face his old side once again on Saturday, offered an injury update.

And whilst the likes of Lewis Dobbin and Arnaut Danjuma seem to just be on the periphery of returning to first-team action, he did also detail a potential fresh injury which could curtail his plans to topple the Clarets.

After all, Amadou Onana‘s absence would mark a major blow, should he be unavailable.

Dyche noted: ‘Arnie’s on the grass. He’s not quite fit yet but he’s on the grass with us. Amadou’s had a few knocks, we’ll see how he is tomorrow. Dobbo is making good progress now.

‘So there is a look of the group that is very competitive. We’ve got to pick the ones that are competitive on a match-day, that can win games. That’s our job.’

Who could Everton replace Amadou Onana with?

Fortunately for Everton, when boasting a largely fully-fit squad, central midfield is one of the few positions of strength they actually boast.

Whilst their usual trio of James Garner, Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure would seldom change if Dyche could help it, he is blessed with the ability to push the former further forward should the latter be unavailable.

Then, in case of a defensive midfield emergency, Idrissa Gana Gueye is always on standby, ready to deputise with proficiency due to the immense experience and energy he offers.

So, should the £33m Belgium international be unavailable on Saturday, at least Dyche will have numerous configurations to opt for.

The likely decision would be to simply reinstate Garner into the starting lineup after his mid-week rest, deploying him beside Gueye. Then, due to the poor form of his Mali midfield maestro, perhaps Andre Gomes could have merited a start after impressing from the bench against Newcastle United.

Hopefully Onana is fit anyway to render this debate pointless, as he remains an integral cog in this Everton side even if he is often a lightning rod for criticism.