Things don’t get much easier for Everton when they welcome Premier League leaders Manchester City to Goodison Park on Saturday.
The inconsistent Toffees are in a relegation battle after their latest defeat.
A 3-0 victory over Leeds United was supposed to be the springboard for Everton in their bid to avoid a dogfight at the bottom of the table.
But, by Frank Lampard’s own admission, the Blues reverted to type in a 2-0 loss at Southampton last weekend.
Sitting 16th and four points above the drop zone, things are getting a little tense at Goodison.
Certainly, Lampard couldn’t have asked for a harder fixture than the visit of City - who are licking their wounds after a 3-2 stoppage-time defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
Everton currently have six players who are on the treatment table and getting some of those back will be crucial if they’re to get anything against Pep Guardiola’s side.
1. Abdoulaye Doucoure - groin
Lampard admitted last week that the Frenchman is making good progress from his setback that he suffered in the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last month. Doucoure joined in with his team-mates during the warm-up of a training session before Southampton and Lampard revealed he could be available to face City. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
2. Demarai Gray - hip
The winger has missed the past two games. Everton have always been confident that Gray’s problem is only minor. Lampard admitted last week that he’s hopeful the ex-Leicester wide man will be fit to face City. Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
3. Ben Godfrey - quad
The defender left Goodison Park on crutches having sustained his issue in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat of Brentford last month. Lampard revealed Godfrey was “two or three weeks away” when addressing the media before Southampton. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
4. Fabian Delph - thigh
The midfielder hasn’t played for Everton for more than two months. Lampard admitted that Delph is on track to be back at a similar time as Godfrey so will be absent against his former club. Photo: Getty Images