Everton are set for a tough trip to West Ham today, but they will still be without club captain Seamus Coleman, despite the veteran’s recent return to full training.
The 35-year-old was pictured training with the full squad in recent days after a long injury layoff, perhaps hinting that he would be ready to return to the matchday squad.
Although he may be beyond his best years, Coleman could provide a lot of vital experience and leadership in the back line, to help navigate a tricky fixture at the London Stadium.
However, Everton have confirmed that today’s match will come too soon for the £55k-a-week star, in a blow for Sean Dyche.
Coleman not ready to return for Everton
Everton have confirmed via the club website that despite making a return to training, the club will be careful over Coleman’s knee injury and will not rush him back.
“Sunday’s trip to the capital will come too soon for Seamus Coleman,” Everton confirmed.
“Club captain Coleman has resumed full training after overcoming a knee injury sustained against Leicester City back in May, however, manager Dyche says the full-back needs more time on the training pitch and match minutes having faced an extended period out.”
Dyche now has to start Nathan Patterson
With Ashley Young suspended following his red card in the Merseyside Derby, and Coleman still unavailable, Dyche now finds himself short of options at right-back.
There is little other choice than to start Nathan Patterson, who he has seemingly been unwilling to trust too much so far. The 22-year-old has started just four of Everton’s nine league games this season, and none of his starts came in victories.
This will be a good chance for Patterson to prove he should start more. If he cannot deliver, then Coleman and Young both returning for the upcoming games may not bode well for the former Rangers right-back.
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