Richarlison, Yerry Mina, Andros Townsend and Tom Davies - potential Everton injury return dates

Rafa Benitez faces a battle to win over his detractors as his bids to turn around Everton’s lacklustre form.

The Toffees have picked up just six points in their past 12 games and have plummeted to 16th in the Premier League table.

Certainly, Benitez will hope that January recruits Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson can hit the ground running after signing from Dynamo Kiev and Rangers respectively.

The Everton boss will also be sweating on some of his key players returning to action.

Here’s a look at when those we know are out with injury could be back available.

Richarlison

The striker cut a frustrated figure when he was withdrawn in the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on 12 December.

However, Richarlison hasn't been available since - even despite the 16-day absence between games.

Benitez admitted that the Brazil international would be out for a "number of weeks" with a calf injury.

It's unlikely that Everton would have played Richarlison against Hull in the FA Cup third round this weekend if he was fit.

All eyes will be on whether he's recovered for the rearranged game with Leceister at Goodison Park on Tuesday 11 January.

The Blues then travel to Norwich City on Saturday 15 January.

Potential return: unknown

Andros Townsend

The winger also picked up a problem in the loss at Palace.

Townsend, who has scored five goals in 18 appearances since arriving in the summer, suffered a minor foot fracture.

Given the nature of his issue, his comeback may very much depend on how the bone recovers.

Although now Alex Iwobi is away with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, it makes the former Newcastle wide man's return even more important to boost numbers.

Potential return: unknown

Yerry Mina

It's been an injury-ravaged campaign for the centre-back. He's made just seven appearances in all competitions.

On his return game from a hamstring against Arsenal, Mina broke down within the first half. This time, it was a calf problem.

Speaking during his pre-Brighton press conference, Benitez had hoped that the Colombia international would return to team training this week.

It's unlikely that Mina will be risked against Hull given that Everton have ample centre-halves available.

Leicester would be a possibility should Mina have a smooth preparation for it. If not, then it might not be until Norwich until he's back.

Potential return: unknown

Tom Davies

A picture emerged of the academy product wearing a knee brace during the international break in November.

Davies hasn't played for Everton the goalless draw with Tottenham on November 7 as a result.

However, the midfielder was photographed training with his team-mates before the Brighton clash.

That suggests he's almost back to full fitness and the trip to Hull would be the ideal game for him.

Potential return: Hull, Saturday 8 January.