Everton manager Sean Dyche has assessed his side’s status on the injury front with the Toffees preparing to welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Goodison Park on Saturday.
Dyche confirmed that club captain Seamus Coleman is recovering well from a knee problem he sustained in May but will sit out the Saturday fixture as he continues to build his fitness level.
The Republic of Ireland international has not featured for Everton since a 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the back end of last season, but the Toffees have faired reasonably well in his absence.
“Seamus is going well,” said Dyche in his pre-match press conference. “He’ll hopefully get involved in a game for the Under-21s this weekend.
“He needs some game time, of course, but he’s training very well, and I think he’s pleased to be back on the grass.”
Dyche also offered an update on Dele, who is recovering from a groin problem, and Andre Gomes, who is struggling with a calf injury.
“Dele still has some time to go – he’s just back on the grass now, but he’s in a good place,” Dyche added.
“I had a chat with him the other day, and he’s in a good place, other than his injury, of course, which he is frustrated by.
“Andre has been very frustrated. He’s had a niggly calf injury again, but he’s coming back through that now.”
Everton suffered a 4-1 defeat in this fixture last season before setting the record straight under Dyche’s leadership, running out 5-1 winners at the Amex Stadium.
The English manager emphasised the importance of repeating the away performance, facing a Brighton side that has won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
“They’re [Brighton] a very good side, they still are,” Dyche said. “They’ve sold a couple of players, but they’re still a good side – they’re showing that.
“You have to be tactically right, but you have to impress yourself upon the game as well. I thought we did it very well away from home last season, and we’re going to have to do that again.”
