There have been concerns over the fitness of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye following their Everton returns after AFCON.
David Moyes has now admitted that he has noticed the Senegalese duo get back to the levels he expects ahead of the game against Manchester United.
Monday offers a big opportunity for Everton to get their season back on track following almost three months of inconsistency in the Premier League.
Some inside Everton feel that Gueye and Ndiaye were rushed back too quickly after their AFCON triumph over December and January.
The break has allowed the Blues to recover and take stock, but there can be no excuses made at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
What changes would you make ahead of Monday night’s game? 🫣
Predicted XI Everton vs Man United
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Moyes has admitted he’s noticed improvements from both Gueye and Ndiaye, which should give Everton the best possible chance at taking three points from Michael Carrick’s side.
Everton duo David Moyes and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
David Moyes shares Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye fitness boost at Everton
Everton will only be missing Jack Grealish through injury for the game against the Red Devils on the Liverpool docks.
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Speaking to the media on Friday, Moyes confirmed the improvement he had seen from his Senegalese duo.
There are no wrong answers here! They have all been sensational this season 🔥
But which two are you starting if you're Moyes? 🤷♂️
Everton midfielders Harrison Armstrong, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gana Gueye in action.
Credit: Getty Images/Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/Michael Regan/Carl Recine.
“I hope so. “I think that hopefully they’ll get themselves back into the speed of it,” said Moyes.
“I thought both of them had started to pick up a little bit in the last game; they started to show they were getting back more to the speed of the Premier League and the intensity of what was required here.”
Ndiaye scored from the spot against Bournemouth last time out, but his last goal prior came all the way back in November.
Everton are ready to reject any summer interest in Ndiaye, with the likes of Manchester United already showing an interest.
With Grealish unable to add to his eight goal involvements, there is going to be a reliance on Ndiaye to up his output in front of goal for the remainder of the season.
David Moyes’ midfield conundrum at Everton
Back in December, Moyes had almost no fit, senior midfielders to select from due to Gueye’s AFCON participation and injuries.
Harrison Armstrong was recalled by Everton from his Preston loan deal, which has left Moyes with more than enough players:
James Garner
Idrissa Gana Gueye
Harrison Armstrong
Merlin Rohl
Tim Iroegbunam
And that is not mentioning the likes of Charly Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who can both play in the deeper role.
Some TalkingPoint users feel Gueye has looked sluggish of late, which could suggest a midfield change is in the offing.
However, Moyes’ comments from Finch Farm in Friday’s press conference may just suggest otherwise.
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