George Overhill

Thu 2 February 2023 14:42, UK

Everton are set to face Arsenal without three first team players who are nearing a return but still likely to miss out, according to Sean Dyche.

The new Toffees boss said in his first press conference in charge that defenders Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey are both close to being available again, with the former having trained.

But midfielder James Garner is still has longer to go before he is fit to be brought back into the team. Longer-team absentees Nathan Patterson and Andros Townsend were not even in question yet and remain out so the total missing is five.

The new manager said on Thursday (2 February), via the Liverpool Echo: “Ben Godfrey is closer, Keane is getting fitter and trained, Garns is going to be a little bit yet.”

Uphill

Dyche arrives with his work well and truly cut out for him, with the Toffees coming through the transfer window without adding any reinforcements.

Anthony Gordon, not operating anything like he did at the start of the season but still an important option within the squad, was sold to Newcastle and even he wasn’t replaced, let alone the long-awaited arrival that can fill the gap left by Richarlison in the summer.

Facing the league-leaders in his first match in charge might be seen as a free hit for the former Burnley boss, given how heavy favourites the Gunners will be.

But Everton don’t have the luxury of writing off games, without a win since 22 October and with defeats to three sides in the relegation zone since the World Cup.

Dyche needs to start picking up points fast, but with the Merseyside derby coming after the visit of the top team in the table it isn’t going to let up.

The turmoil around the club has almost turned to resignation now, with supporters in disbelief that transfer deadline day passed with nobody coming in, and now even free agent Andre Ayew appears to be out of reach too.

The new boss has a huge challenge on his hands now and it starts with a huge test on Saturday.