Southampton hit by virus ahead of Everton clash with their ‘best player’ a major doubt

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Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face relegation favourites Southampton on the South Coast.

Sean Dyche’s side have started to find their rhythm in recent weeks as they’re unbeaten in their last five games, which has put a five-point buffer between them and the bottom three.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
14	Man UtdManchester United	9	3	2	4	8	11	-3	11
15	LeicesterLeicester	9	2	3	4	13	17	-4	9
16	EvertonEverton	9	2	3	4	10	16	-6	9
17	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	9	1	3	5	6	11	-5	6
18	IpswichIpswich	9	0	4	5	9	20	-11	4

Everton have the chance to really pull clear against The Saints and it’s just come to light that they’re contending with a virus in the camp.

As such, one of their key players is now a major doubt.

• READ MORE: Everton fans all call for an Iliman Ndiaye position change as Sheffield United footage re-surfaces

Southampton could be without Flynn Downes vs Everton

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Southampton squad have been hit by a virus ahead of the Everton clash this weekend.

Saints could be without seven players with their ‘best player’ (per the Daily Echo) Flynn Downes, who is a major doubt.

The sickness bug ruled out a number of Russell Martin’s players on Tuesday as they defeated Championship outfit Stoke City 3-2.

Speaking after their game, Martin said: “We had a few guys that were going to play tonight that can’t because they’re not very well.

“We had a bit of a virus and stuff in the camp. I think everyone’s had it at various points over the last couple of weeks. Flynn (Downes) could have been in the game but he was just not feeling very well.”

• READ MORE: Sean Dyche gives his honest verdict on Everton’s awful first four games of the season

Russell Martin hopeful he’ll have everyone back by Friday

Ryan Fraser, Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning are the other first-teamers who have been under the weather this week, Martin confirmed.

Though, he remained hopeful that they’ll all be back in training by Friday at the latest.

“We had a couple of guys at the training ground like Ryan Manning that, like the other guys that are not involved, just ticked over really.

“He’s not been feeling great since the weekend. I expect some of them to train tomorrow and most of them, if not all, to be ready by Thursday or Friday.”

Everton will likely be the favourites heading into Saturday’s game and they have the chance to gather some real momentum, with a pretty favourable run of fixtures ahead.