David Moyes has had a few days now to work with his players following the first international break of the season.
It was a mixed bag on the injury front for Everton during the break, with players both returning and suffering fresh issues.
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s injury scans provided positive results as his injury is not as serious as first thought.
However, he was forced back to Finch Farm earlier during the international break as a result of it.
But there was the positive news that Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil had both returned to training during the break.
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It has been a rotten season for Everton when it comes to injuries, with some of their top players suffering some serious issues.
McNeil has now been out injured since December with his respective issue which even required surgery.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of the Merseyside Derby, Moyes has shared an injury update on the two creative players.
“They’re doing great actually. They’re coming on great. Iliman’s a little bit further on than Dwight. But it’s great they’re back in training,” he said.
“It’s helped us a little bit with having Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured.”
McNeil returned to training before Ndiaye, but the Senegal international’s injury was not as severe.
So, no absolute answer from Moyes on whether the pair will play on Wednesday, but promising signs.
Everton have been missing some creativity recently
The Toffees are coming into the game on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
However, the wins have dried up for Moyes and his side who have not put three points on the board since their away trip to Crystal Palace.
Although Everton are looking all but safe in the Premier League, those draws may not look as impressive by the end of April with a really difficult schedule ahead.
McNeil was praised for his creativity earlier in the season and Everton certainly could do with some of that.
The last three games have only seen three goals from the Blues and the Merseyside Derby proved last time out that there are goals to be had.
