Everton face Manchester United this weekend, with both sides suffering from a few key injuries.
Whilst the hosts are to be far more hampered, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund all potentially out, Sean Dyche is not without his absences either.
However, speaking in his latest press conference earlier today, he previewed the clash, and naturally started with a fitness update.
His answer was, refreshingly, one of positivity.
What Sean Dyche said about Everton’s injuries
Having suffered with the key absences of Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Seamus Coleman to name a few, it is no surprise that the former Burnley boss has felt aggrieved with the timing of these ailments.
However, he can have no excuses now, given all three are to be back and ready for selection.
Each have played their own vital role in the Dyche regime thus far, but then again, almost everyone in the squad has had their opportunity to shine.
Idrissa Gana Gueye in particular impressed upon returning from AFCON, only to be struck down with his own injury.
Well, Dyche has now offered a much-needed update on his fitness ahead of Saturday’s match: ‘Arnie continues to make progress, not there yet. Gana would be unlikely but got a chance I’d say. A few knocks and bruises but everyone should be alright.’
Idrissa Gana Gueye could be useful against Manchester United
Although James Garner and Amadou Onana are likely to retain their starting spots, few can argue against the talent of Gueye and his usefulness.
The Senegal international is a tireless midfielder, and has worked relentlessly ever since he first joined the club in 2016.
So whether it be from the start, to help provide a solid defensive foundation, or at the end of the game, seeking to reignite the energy levels in the engine room as they hold onto a result, the 34-year-old would be pivotal.
This campaign, despite making just 17 starts, Gueye has managed to maintain some supremely impressive figures, especially for someone who puts such a physical demand onto his ageing frame.
In the Premier League he is posting an 85% pass accuracy alongside 2.9 tackles and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Against a side likely to dominate the ball and consistently ask questions of Everton, Gueye could come up with some answers should he make a late push for fitness.