Sean Dyche explains why James Garner really didn’t play for Everton last night

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James Garner missed out on Everton’s win over Newcastle United last night.

The midfielder was one of two absences from the starting line-up that beat Nottingham Forest last time out, with Beto also replaced by fit-again Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

James Garner has started 13 of Everton’s 15 games in the Premier League and has been one of their best players, receiving praise from the manager, pundits and fans.

However, after facing his former club at the weekend, Garner was nowhere to be seen as The Toffees hosted Newcastle on Thursday evening.

The 22-year-old was left out of the squad and was replaced by Seamus Coleman, who made his first start for the senior team since May, while Ashley Young was pushed further forward into midfield.

His absence wasn’t tactical though, with Everton boss Sean Dyche already confirming that he would miss the game with illness.

He said: “Jimmy Garner, who has been in great form, has gone down with a sickness bug. It hit today and therefore we couldn’t really do anything about it.”

Garner was one of three midfielders out of action, with Amadou Onana also missing since the win over Crystal Palace last month. Andre Gomes also remains on the treatment table, having failed to make an appearance for the Toffees since before his loan spell with Lille.

How impressive has James Garner been this season?

James Garner struggled with injury last season, but he has really found his feet under Sean Dyche and has been a very important figure in the squad.

The youngster has made the third-most key passes this season (17), the second-most successful dribbles (9), the fourth-most interceptions (12) and has had the fourth-most shots (13).

At only £15 million, Garner could prove to be a real bargain if he can keep improving in the years to come. The midfielder will be eager to ruin to the team this weekend though, with his place very much up for grabs still.

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure have been very solid in recent games, but it would be a surprise to see the former start every game over Christmas.

Jack Harrison was pushed into the middle last night too, so we can probably expect him to force Ashley Young onto the bench and allow Garner to take his place in the centre. But of course, Amadou Onana will want his spot back too.