Sean Dyche has just issued update on Dwight McNeil’s injury ahead of Everton vs Southampton

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Everton return to Premier League action this weekend as they take on Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.

Sean Dyche’s men are in far superior form and actually head into the South Coast affair unbeaten in their last five.

Southampton have been hit by a virus and could be without several first-team players, including key man Flynn Downes.

So the onus will certainly be on Everton to pick up all three points, which could put them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Speaking in Thursday’s press conference, Dyche issued the latest update on Dwight McNeil, who limped off on the weekend against Fulham.

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Sean Dyche shares Dwight McNeil injury update

McNeil had to be substituted against Fulham on Saturday after he went down with what appeared to be a knee injury.

The wide player walked straight down the tunnel for treatment, presumably, and Dyche admitted post-match that he’d been on the edge leading up to it.

When asked about the extent of his injury on Thursday, Dyche simply said: “Got a chance – hopeful for weekend. Worked with the physio today.”

It sounds as though McNeil is 50/50 for Saturday or perhaps Dyche is just playing the age-old trick of keeping the opposition guessing.

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Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Garner also doubts

James Garner is still ‘weeks away’ according to Dyche so he’ll be absent from this weekend’s matchday squad.

Dyche was more hopeful about Abdoulaye Doucoure, though, and insisted that he is in contention to start.

“Doucoure in contention – had an issue but been on the grass today,” the 53-year-old told the media at Finch Farm.

He was also asked about Nathan Patterson and whether he could start but his response indicated that he’ll be named on the bench once again following his return from injury.

“It is time when he (Patterson) is ready to appear in the first team. No-one is holding anyone back here.”