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The latest injury news and possible return dates from Everton as they prepare for a trio of games against Premier League title challengers.
Everton are facing a challenging fixture list over the next fortnight as they face a trio of clubs that are hoping to land the Premier League title this season.
That kicks off with a visit to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon as Sean Dyche’s men look to upset the odds and become the first club to collect a win at the Emirates Stadium this season. Hot on the heels of the visit to North London is another clash with a London outfit as high-flying Chelsea travel to Goodison Park on the final Saturday before Christmas.
A Boxing Day trip to an out-of-sorts Manchester City will also test Dyche’s men despite Pep Guardiola’s side producing some mixed results as they look to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The hectic festive period can be defining for clubs across the Premier League and the results over the coming fortnight may well dictate just how successful Everton are in their bid to preserve their top flight status. The busy schedule will mean Dyche will hope for some positive news on the injury front before his attention turns to the January transfer window - but what is the latest news on the players that have been on the sidelines in recent weeks?
Michael Keane
The former Burnley defender was not in the Toffees matchday squads for the recent 4-0 defeat at Manchester United and the home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and has not seen on-field action since the defeat at Southampton on the first weekend of November.
Keane has suffered what Dyche described as ‘a minor knee ligament injury’ and was said to be ‘touch and go’ ahead of a possible return against Liverpool before the Merseyside was postponed at the weekend. He could return to contention for this weekend’s trip to title challengers Arsenal. Possible return date: Saturday.
Tim Iroegbunam
The young midfielder has not featured since he came on as a second-half substitute in the home draw with Newcastle United on the first weekend of October and is currently working his way back from an ankle injury. The summer signing is closing in on a return to full fitness and it is expected it could be in contention for the home game with Chelsea on Sunday week. Possible return date: 22nd December.
James Garner
Much like Iroegbunam, Garner has been out of action since that goalless draw with Newcastle and is currently working his way back from a back injury. Although this weekend’s visit to Arsenal is likely to be too early for a possible return to action, there is an expectation Garner could be available for the home game with Chelsea on the following weekend. Possible return date: 22nd December.
Youssef Chermiti
Chermiti is yet to make a first-team appearance this season after undergoing surgery on a foot injury during the summer. However, the former Sporting CP player did made a comeback in an Under-21s game against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and will hope to build up his fitness with a view to returning to Premier League action over the coming weeks. Possible return date: Unknown.
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