Sean Dyche has confirmed that Dwight McNeil is a doubt for the clash for Southampton and that James Garner is facing ‘beyond a month’ on the sidelines
Dwight McNeil ‘has a chance’ to feature for Everton against Southampton this weekend. Sean Dyche provided an update the condition of a number of players ahead of the contest at this press conference on Thursday.
McNeil was taken off late on against Fulham last time out with the Blues trailing 1-0 after a goal from ex-Everton man Alex Iwobi. Beto was able to strike late on to secure a precious point though.
The former Burnley man has been rejuvenated in a new central role this season with three goals and three assists already, so supporters were understandably concerned when he left the field.
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Speaking on Thursday at his pre-match press conference, Dyche provided an update on the fitness of McNeil ahead of the trip to the south coast and revealed Abdoulaye Doucoure had also been suffering with a knock this week.
“Dwight has got a chance,” said the Blues boss. “We’re hopeful. He’s done a bit of work with the physio team today so we’re hopeful on him.
“Doucoure as well had a situation but he has been out on the grass today. So we’ll see how that reacts today.”
Dyche also shared a negative update on the condition of James Garner, who is set for a stint on the sidelines with a back problem: “He’s been very unlucky. Unfortunately he’s got a longer-term injury.
“We mentioned last week about getting an assessment from the specialist and were advised [to have] a period to slow him down again, take him off the grass. It’s going to be weeks. It’s not going to be days that’s for sure.”
Everton will also be without Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam and Youssef Chermiti, who are all long-term injury absentees.
After five games unbeaten, Dyche will be hopeful of his team extending their run against Saints. The newly-promoted outfit have only take one point from nine games since their return to the top flight.
