Everton are now just hours away from their Premier League return against Liverpool following the international break.
More than two weeks have now passed since the last time David Moyes led his side out in the English top flight.
A run of four straight wins and nine games in total unbeaten in the Premier League has pulled the Toffees away from the drop zone.
However, Everton will be keen to get back to winning ways in what would be a historic win at Anfield for Moyes.
Liverpool could be without both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley for the game on Wednesday evening.
Injuries has been a real issue for the Toffees this season, but Moyes could well benefit from what would be a real shock return when the team sheet is announced at 7pm.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye in running to start for Everton against Liverpool
There has been a real major boost for the Toffees on the injury front coming out of the international break.
Vitaliy Mykolenko has returned to Everton training after his scans returned positive results following his injury sustained with Ukraine.
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But the good news does not end there with Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil also returning to training.
Speaking on Tuesday from Finch Farm, Moyes admitted it is Ndiaye with a bigger chance of playing at Anfield.
“They’re doing great actually. They’re coming on great. Iliman’s a little bit further on than Dwight. But it’s great they’re back in training,” he said.
Ndiaye suffered medial ligament damage in the Merseyside Derby back in February, and seeing him return to the action just days after returning to training would be a real surprise.
When players return from injury – especially ones of this nature – it would be typical for the manager to slowly bring them back into the side.
However, the 61-year-old needs a real threat from the left wing with the likes of Jack Harrison not doing enough for Moyes with just one goal to his name.
Iliman Ndiaye must start the Merseyside Derby if fit enough
There is no doubt about it, Ndiaye has been by far and away Everton’s best player this season.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been wowed by Ndiaye this season with the Senegal international hitting the ground running after returning to the Premier League.
2024/25 Total
Appearances 28
Minutes 2232
Goals 8
Assists 0
Even during Everton’s struggles under Sean Dyche, Ndiaye was putting in some impressive showings.
With the Toffees really struggling for goals as of late having a creative spark and goal threat like Ndiaye available will be a huge boost for the Blues.
But the risk of aggravating his injury again will have to be considered by the Scot ahead of Wednesday’s game.