Everton boss David Moyes has provided an injury update ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Chelsea.
The Toffees travel to Stamford Bridge with an opportunity to leapfrog Enzo Maresca’s side.
Indeed, Everton are just a point behind the London club, with both sides in fine form of late.
Speaking at today’s pre-match press conference, Moyes revealed that Merlin Rohl and Jarrad Branthwaite should be ‘back soon’.
However, he confirmed that neither would be available for selection ahead of tomorrow’s game.
He said: “Jarrad and Merlin are back on the grass and doing some work. Merlin is obviously much further on than Jarrad.
“But they’re both back on the grass. Hopefully, we’ll start to see a chance to bring them back soon.”
BRANTHWAITE & ROHL’S AVAILABILITY WOULD BE A HUGE BOOST FOR MOYES AHEAD OF BUSY PERIOD
Brathwaite is yet to feature this season, while Merlin Rohl has made just four cameo appearances.
Michael Keane has been excellent in Branthwaite’s absence, and is arguably playing his best football since joining the club.
However, Branthwaite’s prolonged time in the treatment room is a real cause for concern.
Meanwhile, Merlin Rohl’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Moyes. Indeed, with injuries and suspensions piling up in midfield, the German was likely to get more minutes on the pitch.
Idrissa Gueye returns from his three match ban, but then departs for AFCON until the New Year.
While we’re yet to truly see what Rohl is all about, he’s been impressive in the glimpses we’ve seen of him.
Having both players ‘back on the grass’ is a real boost for Moyes, and hopefully they’ll be back sooner rather than later.
Tomorrow’s game will be a proper test for the Blues and a barometer of the progress we’re making.
A victory puts us in real contention for Europe. Can the Toffees pull off a third consecutive away win?