Everton are dealing with a number of absences heading into their game against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
A win for David Moyes could even see the Blues climb up into the European places, if results elsewhere go their way.
Eddie Howe has already shared his admiration for Everton and the form currently being shown by the Toffees in the Premier League.
However, Everton are heading into Saturday’s game with some injury woes and the obvious suspension for Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Last week, Moyes admitted Merlin Rohl could return within weeks of his surgery to address his hernia issue.
And there was more positive news on Friday as one Everton outcast was spotted back in training following his own injury setback.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Nathan Patterson spotted back in Everton training ahead of Newcastle
Over the late stages of the summer window, Nathan Patterson’s Everton exit fell through, with Sevilla unable to move on Juanlu Sanchez.
Just weeks into the season and the Scotland international suffered yet another injury issue which has kept him out of action since October.
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On Friday, Everton released images from their latest training session with Patterson clearly seen among his teammates at Finch Farm.
Some surprise inclusions in Everton’s pre-Newcastle training session 👀
The first image showed the right-back running with Dwight McNeil behind him in the background.
Patterson has not featured under Moyes since starting against Ipswich Town back in May.
The 24-year-old played for the U21s in the EFL Trophy in October, but he has no first team minutes since the new season started.
Ironically, Everton lost Seamus Coleman through another injury on Monday evening in the early minutes of the game at Old Trafford.
With Jake O’Brien left as the only fit right-back, there is considerable pressure being placed on the Ireland international to stay fit.
A new right-back has to be a January priority for Everton
Everton News understands that Everton will look to strengthen at full-back over January, with a real lack of depth currently for Moyes to select from.
It is a position which Everton did look to strengthen at over the summer.
Everton were keen to sign Kenny Tete from Fulham, but that deal fell flat after he decided to remain in London.
January is going to offer the Friedkins with another opportunity to back their manager having seen what this side could potentially achieve this season.
Monday night’s win over Manchester United was a huge statement, but the squad is still slightly off what it needs to be to push for European qualification.
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