Everton have suffered through injury turmoil since before this season even started.
It is for this reason that many sections of the fanbase remain defensive of Sean Dyche, claiming the hand he has been dealt throughout the opening six games of this campaign has been truly unfair.
And, to an extent, that is right.
Now, previewing their next Premier League clash, things aren’t looking any better.
Sean Dyche delivers Everton fitness update
The question on everyone’s lips heading into Saturday’s clash with Leicester City, Dyche came to today’s press conference prepared.
In fact, when asked for a squad update, he jokingly referred to the actual list that he had brought to ensure that he didn’t forget anyone.
He started with the backline: ‘Jarrad’s making progress, hopefully gets involved in the game this weekend. It’s looking like he will do with the U21s.
‘James Tarkowski we are hopeful. Trained today, let’s see if there’s no reaction.
‘Nathan Patterson, same as Jarrad.’ Later on he would state: ‘Myko is through the illness. He was in today so we’re hopeful that’s him done.’
He then offered a more comprehensive update: ‘Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Looks okay today. He was back in, on the grass so we are hopeful that his illness has gone.
‘Jimmy Garner is still not in with illness. Idrissa unfortunately has had a family bereavement so he won’t be here.
‘Seamus is still injured, unfortunately going to be longer than we hoped so that’s not going to be a quick situation.
‘Youssef’s making good progress but obviously a longer-term injury.’
Lastly, he actually detailed a brand-new injury for Evertonians to fear, revealing: ‘Keano is getting checked out today just having a precautionary scan to see he’s okay.’
How could Everton line up against Leicester City?
With all this in mind, there’s really very little that Dyche can do ahead of their trip to Leicester.
Jordan Pickford should return in goal, but the back four essentially picks itself if James Tarkowski is fit, playing beside Jake O’Brien and flanked by Ashley Young at right-back and Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back.
In midfield, Tim Iroegbunam will have to return, but his partner remains uncertain. Orel Mangala, at present, seems their best fit defensive midfield option, or perhaps Abdoulaye Doucoure might have to drop deep to fill Garner and Gueye’s vacancies.
Fortunately, at least their attacking unit remains largely unbothered.
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