Three Everton stars are still missing ahead of Bournemouth clash, all could return soon

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are looking to bounce back from their horror-show defeat at home to Luton in a crunch game against Bournemouth, but they will still be without a number of players.

Sean Dyche has had a few injury problems to deal with this season, and the squad is not blessed with a lot of depth. Whilst it is still early days in the campaign, both performances and results have been disappointing.

Everton have however, been better than Bournemouth so far this season, with the Cherries 19th in the table. They are one of just two winless sides, having drawn three and lost four of their opening games under Andoni Iraola.

Whilst there are no new injury problems to deal with, Dyche will still be without Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Andre Gomes for what could be a vital game in the relegation battle.

Everton’s injuries

According to expert Ben Dinnery, on his site Premier Injuries, all three players could potentially make a return to the squad on October 21st against Liverpool, although there is no confirmation of a return date.

Coleman is still struggling with a knee injury, but has been able to train outdoors for the last two weeks.

Gomes looks closer to full fitness following a tight calf, but the club are going to be careful about easing him back in to avoid re-injury.

Alli is yet to return to full training, but has been able to train alongside Coleman outdoors following a groin injury, but it still seems unlikely that he will appear in the squad any time soon.

How important have these injuries been?

Coleman has been a big miss. The veteran is beyond his best days, but he could bring leadership and experience to the back line which is sorely lacking it at the moment, with the team particularly struggling at defensive set pieces.

Gomes is not a starter, and even when fit looks unlikely to break into what has become a very physical midfield under Dyche. The Portuguese midfielder may be able to add some more experience and technical ability to the middle of the park, but his lack of intensity may now get exposed.

Alli has struggled since his arrival, and loan departure from the club, and even when he eventually returns to fitness, it remains unclear what his place in the squad will look like under Dyche.