Everton will have welcomed both international duties this season, despite how disruptive they can often be.
However, it is that exact notion that lends to Sean Dyche favouring their timing.
The first came after they had lost their opening three matches in the Premier League, and a break was much needed.
And now, the second comes following a bout of recent injuries, most of whom will have recovered after this week away from club football.
But, what is often impossible to account for is injuries acquired whilst away with the national team. Frustratingly, one might well have occurred now to further scupper their season.
Iliman Ndiaye injured on international duty
Having seen almost all of their right-backs ruled out for the bulk of the campaign thus far, and Jarrad Branthwaite routinely absent too, Everton manager Dyche has had a tough time.
Despite his shortcomings, few would be able to succeed under such circumstances, yet his last three matches have proven some kind of stability at the very least.
However, whilst Dwight McNeil is spearheading his attack brilliantly regarding the numbers he’s posting, it’s Iliman Ndiaye who has truly captured the hearts of the Everton faithful.
So, to see him limp off for Senegal in Friday’s win over Malawi marks a fearful sight.
If Goodison Park has to go without the 24-year-old, should Ndiaye be injured for Everton, one man must now step up.
Jesper Lindstrom needs to prove his worth to Everton
Snagged in the summer on a shrewd loan deal, it seemed like the Toffees had pulled a blinder with this deal.
After all, journalist Graeme Bailey even told us that Jesper Lindstrom would be one of the signings of the summer.
Alas, whether it be due to a lack of opportunities given to him by Dyche, or just his underperformance when handed those minutes, that kind of quality is yet to materialise.
It’s such a shame given that, particularly before his move to Napoli, the Denmark international was thriving in Germany, having helped Frankfurt win the Europa League.
His final season in the Bundesliga saw him notch 11 goal contributions, using his pace and trickery to good effect.
That makes his inability to find the net in royal blue all the more frustrating, especially given the glowing eulogy that Danish football expert Toke Theilade once gave him.
He noted: ‘He has really good technique and a lot of pace when on the ball. He isn’t a super fast guy in the normal sense of the word but, when he has the ball, he just has another level. He is a very dynamic player.’
If Ndiaye’s injury does rule him out for a game or two, it marks a real opportunity for Jesper Lindstrom to now step up and prove his worth.
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