By Liam Thomas

2nd Mar, 2023 | 7:40pm

Everton injury news as Nathan Patterson and James Garner feature again for U21s

Everton duo Nathan Patterson and James Garner have both been handed a start for the Blues’ under-21 side in their game against PSV Eindhoven at Goodison Park on 2 March.

Liverpool Echo journalist Connor O’Neill shared the teamsheet for the fixture on Twitter and highlighted the start for both Everton youngsters.

Garner has been out of action since November whilst Patterson suffered a medial ligament injury in Everton’s 4-1 defeat to Brighton last month.

“Team news is in at Goodison Park and both Nathan Patterson and James Garner start for Everton,” said O’Neill on Twitter. (2 March, 6:37 PM)

With another match about the be under the youngster’s belts, the duo could well be in line for a place in Sean Dyche’s squad to face Nottingham Forest.

Depth.

Any form of squad depth would be welcomed within the Toffees ranks right now and the news that Patterson and Garner are playing this evening will be music to the ears of Evertonians.

Patterson highlighted early on in the season what he can contribute to this setup whilst fans of the Blues have yet to see the best of the youngster, Garner, since his arrival from Manchester United.

Dyche has been brought back down to earth with two damning defeats to Leeds United and Arsenal and will be looking for some fresh legs and ideas from his squad at the business end of the season.

Forest at the City Ground is a tough place to visit when you’re low on confidence. nevertheless, gaining some form of points is vital in the Toffees relegation fight.

Maybe the return of Patterson and Garner can bring about some fresh attacking ideas from the engine room and backline, however, that may be wishful thinking.