Sean Dyche confirms Everton star misses training and offers Jarrad Branthwaite update
Everton team news: The Toffees face struggling Southampton this weekend but could be without one or two key players.
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Dwight McNeil has a chance of playing this weekend despite missing training ahead of the weekend.
The Toffees are on a five-game unbeaten run after securing a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend. Their opponents have struggled this season in the league, drawing one and losing eight of their nine games so far. However, there was some respite in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night as they beat Stoke City.
Both sides are set to have players missing but there is a possibility of a return to the line-up for Jarrad Branthwaite who made a late substitute appearance last weekend.
McNeil was the centre of attention at the presser, with the midfielder limping off against Fulham. Sky Sports News confirmed that he didn’t train today (Thursday) ahead of the game and Dyche gave a clear update on one of his best performers this season. He revealed he has a chance of featuring.
Branthwaite could also return to the line-up but the manager commented on the four centre-backs and their form at the weekend. “Jake’s training well, I want competition. Jarrad had a strong season last year, Keane has started this season well and Tarky is being his own self.”
He was also asked about Nathan Patterson who Dyche claimed is ‘working hard’ to come back after his injury. Seamus Coleman is also an option as well but he claimed that Patterson’s ‘time in the fist team will come when he’s ready’.
James Garner remains out while Tim Iroegbunam has an ankle injury which should rule him out until late-November after missing the last two games. Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja are both expected to be back mid-November or later and Dyche has claimed both are making good progress.
Southampton team news
The Saints have quite a few injury issues, including keeper Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone. There are also a few doubts that includes Ryan Fraser who came away against Stoke on Tuesday while Flynn Downes has missed their last two games and my miss out here.