Everton manager Sean Dyche spoke with the media earlier today ahead of the club’s trip to Crystal Palace this weekend. He addressed the team’s fitness status in his pre-match press conference. Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Jarrad Branthwaite appear to be ready to go by the weekend.
“We’ve had a couple of knocks with Amadou and Jarrad, but we’re not expecting too much drama.” Doucs got sick, but they’ve all been out on the grass today [Thursday], so we’re optimistic about them.
I think [Onana] should be [available]. As I say, they’ve been out on the grass and as we know, we’ll see how it reacts tomorrow but he’s managed it well and done well to get through the games he did. Hopefully we’ve managed that well with him as well and it’s calmed down.”
Seamus Coleman, the team captain, has accelerated his recovery this week by captaining the U21s in their victory over Mansfield Town.
“Seamus is still working his way back to full fitness, but he’s doing fantastic.” He’s worked hard to regain his physical fitness, and he’s eager to get back into the game, as you might expect. But he’s been fantastic since rejoining the group, and that helps.”
“These games are important because we want to encourage players to return to full fitness and sharpness.” The games program can be awkward in arranging these games, but we thought it was a game from which they could learn something. I’m happy for the young players who got a game, made it through it, and got a result.”
Dele Alli and Andre Gomes, both long-term absentees, are still a long way from returning to the match squad. It was interesting how the conversation shifted to Dele’s role for the team in his absence from the field. Dyche even hinted that the midfielder could become a manager in the future.
“No one knows. But he’s certainly had a lot of experiences that could help him later in life if he decides to go that route.”
There are still some unknowns, but it appears that the team that was fit last week will be available again, and Onana will be back barring any issues in the lead-up to the match. It could happen.
Youssef Chermiti, Lewis Dobbin, and Joao Virginia all played in the Football League Cup match, which helps to keep them sharp and match ready for when they are needed.
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