Everton injury news as Nathan Patterson and James Garner set for late fitness tests – Expert
Everton duo Nathan Patterson and James Garner are set for late fitness tests ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday (18 February), according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.
Sean Dyche confirmed to the press he would watch the pair step up their recoveries from the sidelines while playing for the Toffees Under-21s side on Friday night (17 February) and that neither were likely to feature against Leeds for the first team.
However, writing for the Premier Injuries website, Dinney said that both players were at 100% and due for a “Late Fitness Test” ahead of the relegation showdown at Goodison Park.
If both players come through the Under-21s match unscathed, Dyche could still add the pair to his match-day squad.
Manchester United academy graduate Garner has been sidelined since mid-November with a lower back injury and is set for his first competitive minutes since returning, while Patterson has recovered from a knee injury he picked up in the 4-1 defeat to Brighton last month.
Big boost
Both Garner and Patterson will add a much-needed element of dynamism and youth to Dyche’s Everton side, and it will be interesting to see how they go for the Toffees youth side on Friday.
It would be a big ask for either of the pair to feature in two matches within two days, but if Dyche is pleased with what he sees after 30 minutes, he may request they be withdrawn so they remain fresh for the Leeds match.
If either were to be able to feature against The Whites, it would be a huge boost to his otherwise barebone squad. In midfield, Garner could add so much to Everton’s attacking play with his wide-ranging passing arc and his vision.
In Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, The Toffees have three very similar players who all hold many of the same attributes. The returning Garner, however, could add an extra spice to their otherwise lacklustre attack.
Hopefully, both can prove their fitness to Dyche with short cameos and can still feature against Leeds despite the late nature of the selection.