James Garner has sent a message to Everton supporters as he nears his return from injury.
The 23-year-old last featured for the Blues during the 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on 5 October and has been nursing a long-term back problem ever since.
In the latest update surrounding his rehabilitation, Dr Rajpal Brar exclusively told Goodison News on 25 December that the midfielder would remain on the sidelines “for a few more weeks“.
However, Garner has taken it upon himself to share an update via Instagram (14 January) and send a message to the supporters, along with an image of him training at Finch Farm.
He wrote: “100 days!!!! Good to be back on the pitch with the boys.”
James Garner nears first-team return at Everton
Everton are hanging on by a thread in the Premier League, but Goodison Park will look a whole lot different when Garner takes to the pitch once again.
The last time Garner featured for the Toffees, Farhad Moshiri controlled the club with Sean Dyche leading the side, and he will return under the guise of David Moyes for his second stint on Merseyside with The Friedkin Group assuming majority control.
His return to the first-team fold will be a welcome boost for Moyes – while loanee Orel Mangala has adapted to life well at the Blues, the midfield could use a fresh injection of young legs with 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye a regular starter.
The former England Under-21s international played all Premier League fixtures, barring one under ex-boss Dyche last term, and he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in helping Everton steer the side away from the threat of relegation this term.
While the match against Aston Villa on Wednesday (15 January) will be a step too soon for the midfielder, he has the opportunity to watch on from the stands and learn precisely what is expected of him upon his return.
For the first time in a long time, Evertonians are riding a wave of positivity at Goodison Park – with a new manager at the helm, Garner preparing for his return and the winter transfer window to bolster the squad, it will certainly be an interesting second half of the campaign on the blue half of Merseyside.
