Everton manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that duo Seamus Coleman and Amadou Onana could be fit to face Newcastle United on Thursday evening, but insists they will ‘make a decision’ ahead of the game.
The pair have been sorely missed in recent weeks and would be a welcome return to Dyche’s starting XI as Everton welcome the in-form Magpies.
Indeed, speaking at his press conference reported via Everton’s official YouTube channel, Dyche stated: “Seamus (Coleman) and Amadou (Onana) have been on the grass, so we’ll make a decision on them. Andros (Townsend) is still a bit of time away.”
The veteran Seamus Coleman has been superb for the Toffees this season but has been absent for the last two games, including the 3-1 home defeat to Fulham and last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park.
Belgian international Amadou Onana, who has been one of Everton’s brighter sparks this campaign, also missed the fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace and was a noticeable absence in the heart of Sean Dyche’s midfield.
James Garner has slotted into Everton’s midfield and looks to be an intelligent player, but the Toffees have missed the presence of both Onana and the suspended Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Coleman and Onana absences felt by Everton and their returns would lift Blues spirits
Indeed, Coleman’s absence has also been felt, with Ben Godfrey looking completely out of sorts in the home defeat to Fulham, while Mason Holgate’s sending off at Crystal Palace means he will not be eligible to play.
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The pair making a return to the starting XI on Thursday would be a huge boost for the Blues, alongside Malian international Abdoulaye Doucoure, who returns from suspension following his straight red card against Spurs earlier this month.
No doubt it will be a challenging game, but Everton must get something out of it as the fight for Premier League survival gathers pace.