Everton, like many other Premier League sides, have been ravaged by injuries throughout this campaign.
It is a worrying trend that has plagued almost every team, but the Toffees in particular have been unfortunate with the calibre of players that has continued to be struck down.
After all, suffering persisting setbacks in the right-back position has blunted that role during Ben Godfrey’s stint there, whilst further injuries to Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure have seen their midfield severely hamstrung with two of their most important players out.
However, with many now returning, seeking to get back in time to continue their rehabilitation in Portugal, Sean Dyche has since provided a fresh injury update.
Sean Dyche drops Everton injury update
Speaking to Everton’s official YouTube channel whilst in Portugal, Dyche offered some key glimpses into what the mood is like within the camp and what they are seeking to achieve by being there.
However, perhaps more importantly for fans, he has also now offered some insight into their injuries after also revealing that Arnaut Danjuma had stayed behind in Merseyside to work alone.
Well, there is actually another who is yet to fly out, but will soon be joining them once he reaches the right level of fitness.
He offered the following update on Idrissa Gana Gueye: ‘He is waiting to get on the grass here but should be over within the next couple of days.’
Idrissa Gana Gueye could spark a tactical shift
With his renewed availability, Gueye will offer another body to pack out Dyche’s midfield.
And given the fine relationship he has struck up with Onana in the past, it might actually be a catalyst that allows the gaffer to switch things up and offer some much-needed freshness to this squad.
After all, many have lobbied for James Garner to deputise at right-back, especially whilst Seamus Coleman remains unfit and out of favour.
Godfrey lacks the necessary attacking prowess, whilst Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young remain too unreliable when faced with a tricky winger.
The 23-year-old, on the other hand, offers the perfect blend of creativity and defensive solidity, which he has exhibited all season in the midfield.
Moving him to full-back will afford him far more time on the ball, and allow Gueye to offer a purely defensive presence in the engine room. When fit, the Senegal international is averaging 2.9 tackles and 6.5 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season, via Sofascore.
Even if Dyche does not plan to make this tactical shift, at least it offers some much-needed cover should they suffer from injuries again. It feels like this squad is healing its way back to full fitness at last.