The five Everton first-team players set to feature in behind-scenes friendly vs Mansfield

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Everton players were handed an unexpected weekend off with their game against Liverpool being called off.

The effects of Storm Darragh postponed the Merseyside Derby which was set to be the final meeting at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche’s side put on their most impressive display of the season last time out in their emphatic victory over Wolves.

However, the postponement meant Everton had over a week to wait until their next game in the Premier League.

But a number of the Everton players have now been in action with a behind-the-scenes friendly put on against League One side Mansfield Town.

• READ MORE: Footage from inside Goodison Park shared showing Storm Darragh effects after Everton vs Liverpool postponed

Five Everton players in action vs Mansfield

According to an Everton insider, the Toffees played in a behind-the-scenes friendly on Tuesday against Mansfield.

The game will provide a number of Everton’s returning players from injury with an opportunity to get some first-team minutes under their belts.

Five first-team players were involved on Tuesday, including:

• Nathan Patterson
• Seamus Coleman
• Jake O’Brien
• Armando Broka
• Youssef Chermiti

It is not just injured players who have been offered a game with O’Brien also getting some minutes.

Jordan Pickford praised O’Brien despite Everton fans having not seen the Ireland international in action.

• READ MORE: It’s obvious who Dan Ashworth’s first signing at Everton could be if he replaces Kevin Thelwell

Everton closing in on full fitness

There has been excitement at Everton over Armando Broja and his return from injury which he had when he signed for the Toffees.

And these players returning to action on the pitch comes at a time when Everton’s fixtures are rolling in thick and fast.

Ahead of January, plenty of players are going to need to prove their worth with The Friedkin Group nearing their Everton takeover.

Having players like Broja and Chermiti back available for Dyche could well mean Everton look to offload Beto who has interest from elsewhere.