Everton are finally seeing most of their players return from their respective injury issues over recent weeks.
The past couple of months have been a real struggle for David Moyes, who has had to watch his squad decimated through various absences.
With so many players returning to his selection over recent weeks, that is perhaps why Everton have not delved into the winter market.
One of the players making his return from injury is Seamus Coleman, who had suffered a hamstring setback against Manchester United.
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Seamus Coleman's Everton stats as he enters the final months of his contract.
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Coleman returned to Everton training around two weeks ago and made an instant return to the matchday squad.
Moyes will be delighted to have him back, but the veteran defender is upset with Jake O’Brien over an off-field issue.
Republic of Ireland Training Session
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Seamus Coleman upset with Everton’s Jake O’Brien over Jack Grealish incident
Frustratingly, Jack Grealish has sustained a long-term injury, which is going to see him miss months of action.
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It would appear that the Manchester City loanee has formed a strong bond with a number of his Everton teammates.
O’Brien is one of those, with Everton footage showing Coleman complaining about O’Brien being better friends with Grealish than his fellow Irishman.
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Everton striker Thierno Barry.
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“I’ve known him [O’Brien] for well over a year now and never once been on his Instagram. He knows Jack Grealish for two months and is tagging Jack all the time,” Coleman said as he and O’Brien walked out for training.
Ironically, O’Brien has hailed Grealish as better than anyone else when it comes to taking on a defender.
Some Everton fans may disagree with that statement, with the 30-year-old’s form taking a real hit prior to his injury blow.
O’Brien may have some way to go if he wants to become Grealish’s best friend, though, with Erling Haaland closely watching Grealish’s loan at Everton.
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There is no doubt that losing Grealish to this long-term injury is going to hurt Everton as it takes away another key option for Moyes.
James Garner admitted Grealish is constantly late at Everton to training, which is not exactly a great look for the experienced figure.
However, it is his inconsistency in front of goal that should be a big concern for Everton.
Grealish has only netted twice this season – albeit providing six assists – which just is not good enough for a player demanding such significant financial commitments from the club.
A number of players, like Tyler Dibling, will have another opportunity to impress whilst Grealish is sidelined.
He may be highly-regarded by his teammates, but the club must do what is right for them given the sums of money involved in permanently signing Grealish.
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