Rafa Benitez confirms Allan is ready to play Everton clash against Chelsea
Everton travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Wednesday, and they could be handed an injury boost with Allan likely to be available.
Rafa Benitez confirmed during his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s (16 December) clash that the Brazilian midfielder informed him this morning that he is ready to return to action against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Allan missed Sunday’s (12 December) trip to Crystal Palace, and Conor Gallagher had a field day in the middle of the park as the hosts ran out 3-1 winners at Selhurst Park.
The Toffees manager said (as shared on Everton TV): “Allan has been training. He’s okay and we have to keep an eye on him. In his favour, it doesn’t matter if he has an issue.
“In the last game against Arsenal, in the last 10-15 minutes, he was playing with abductor problems.
“He wants to help. He told me this morning, he’s ready to help the team and he’ll be available if needed because he is a warrior.”
Timely boost?
It is unknown whether the Goodison Park outfit would have fared better had the 30-year-old featured against the Eagles, but his replacement for the game Fabian Delph did very little to impress.
Everton have won just once in their last 10 games, and getting a result against the Champions League defending champions will be huge.
Being without Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina remains a huge blow, but having Allan back could be a timely boost.
The former Napoli ace is not likely to grab a goal or assist one, but his influence in the middle of the park alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure could prove vital against such a top opponent.
The Toffees will need to be at their best to have any chance of upsetting Chelsea, and while most of their fans will not fancy their chances, Benitez and his men will be hoping to do the impossible.
Injuries have not helped so far, but Allan’s return could be of great benefit given the quality of the Londoners’ midfield.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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