Seven Everton players still to feature during pre-season - and their futures assessed

Everton’s pre-season tour of America has come to a conclusion.

The Toffees spent more than a week in the States as they prepare for the 2022-23 campaign.

The trip gave Frank Lampard plenty of time to work with his squad in what’s his first summer as manager.

There would have been plenty of aspects the Goodison Park boss was pleased with.

But there are also things to work on after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal and sobering 4-0 defeat to Minnesota United.

In the two matches, Everton used a total of 24 players before beating Blackpool 4-2 at Bloomfield Road on Sunday.

A total of 25 players have been used by Lampard so far - with seven still to feature.

Here, we take a look at each of their respective situations and what the future holds.

Asmir Begovic

Why hasn’t he played?

The goalkeeper sustained an ankle injury and therefore has not risked.

Lampard was hopeful that Begovic will be absent for weeks rather than months.

What does his future look like?

The Toffees took up the option to extend Begovic's contract by an additional year.

He's regarded as a reliable deputy to Jordan Pickford between the posts.

Nathan Broadhead

Why hasn’t he played?

The striker was included in either match-day squad in America

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon were preferred, while Lewis Dobbin came off the bench against Minnesota.

It is not clear if Broadhead has suffered an injury.

What does his future look like?

Uncertain, to say the least. Broadhead enjoyed a fine spell on loan at Sunderland last season where he scored 13 goals in 25 games - helping them earn promotion from League One.

He's wanted back at Sunderland as they embark on their return to Championship, while Wigan Athletic have also shown interest.

In truth, there are question marks around whether he can step up to the Premier League.

Broadhead is now 24 and can no longer be regarded as a youngster. He's into the final year of his contract.

Seamus Coleman

Why hasn’t he played?

The Everton captain underwent an operation over the summer.

He was, therefore, ruled out because of injury.

What does his future look like?

Coleman will be going nowhere. Lampard has the utmost respect for the Republic of Ireland international - as we saw in the dressing room after the dramatic win over Crystal Palace which ensured the Blues' survival.

Coleman may be managed more cautiously in terms of minutes this season, though, with Nathan Patterson providing competition.

Andre Gomes

Why hasn’t he played?

In total, Lampard used seven centre-midfielders over the course of the two games.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies started both games in the middle of the park.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin and youngster Lewis Warrington came on at half-time, while Isaac Price was given a run-out in the Minnesota encounter.

Alex Iwobi also started in the engine room in the second game and Dele was introduced as a substitute.

It is not clear if Andre Gomes sustained a setback during the tour.

What does his future look like?

Gomes is someone who Everton would likely be happy to offload.

The Portuguese made only 19 appearances last season and had several spells sidelined with injury.

Gomes was purchased from Barcelona on a permanent deal for £22 million in 2019 and is likely on a sizeable wage.

Such funds could be reinvested into the squad.

Gomes has been linked with Sevilla.

Zan-Luk Leban

Why hasn’t he played?

The 19-year-old was one of four keepers involved in the trip.

Pickford and January recruit Billy Crellin were both used.

What does his future look like?

Leban is likely to feature frequently for the under-21s this season.

Ellis Simms

Why hasn’t he played?

The striker was included on the bench for the Arsenal game but did not get on the pitch.

Calvert-Lewin, Rondon and Dobbin were the centre-forwards used instead.

If is not clear if Simms picked up an injury issue, although he did not play

What does his future look like?

Simms enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Hearts during the second half of last term where he bagged seven times in 20 games.

Having signed a new deal last November until the summer of 2024, the Toffees seemingly have the 21-year-old in their future plans.

But another loan spell could be on the cards for Simms after Everton bolster their attack to continue his development.

Hearts want him back but Championship clubs Millwall and Blackpool have been linked - along with Scottish giants Rangers.

Andros Townsend

Why hasn’t he played?

The winger suffered an ACL injury in March and has been sidelined since.

What does his future look like?

Recovery is Towsend’s firm focus at present.

He’s likely to be sidelined for at least another couple of months so will not be going anywhere in the window.

The ex-Tottenham man made a favourable impression after arriving on a free transfer last summer.

Townsend scored seven goals and recorded four assists in 27 games.