George Overhill

Thu 7 December 2023 18:56, UK

James Garner’s absence from the Everton XI to face Newcastle at Goodison Park was a “last minute” matter after he was taken ill on the day of the game, according to Joe Thomas.

The Liverpool Echo journalist reported via Twitter on 7 December ahead of kick-off that the midfielder’s unexpected unavailability had forced Sean Dyche into “some experimentation” as a result.

With Seamus Coleman starting for the first time since being injured against Leicester City last May it appears Ashley Young has shifted into midfield to accommodate Garner being out.

Late curve ball

Garner was a vital part of the 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest at the weekend so illness removing from the line up at the last minute is obviously a significant blow.

With Coleman finally back it might have otherwise meant Young dropping to the bench after some less-than-stellar performances.

So the 38-year-old’s place may have been saved by the late alterations to Dyche’s plans, and it could even be a back five at Goodison now.

Whatever set-up the manager has gone for he will hope to recapture the fight on display at the City Ground on Saturday (2 December).

Dwight McNeil’s excellently-taken strike was enough to secure a huge three points in the wake of the 10-point penalty over the international break.

It will be all the harder to replicate against much tougher midweek opposition, and with a midfield now missing both of its two young usual starters in Amadou Onana and Garner.

But the win against Forest came without the Belgian star and key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the line up, so with the striker back against the Magpies and the Evertonians certain to be in full voice again there is every chance of taking something valuable here despite the latest adversity.

In other Everton news, the visitors are now thought “likely” to pay the Toffees £5million.