David Moyes will be delighted by latest Iliman Ndiaye update away from Everton
David Moyes will be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief after what Iliman Ndiaye has just done away from Everton.
Ndiaye is at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal, meaning he hasn’t featured for the Toffees since the middle of December.
Moyes‘ side are really missing the 25-year-old winger, only picking up one win from the six games they have played without him.
The Merseyside outfit will be hoping that Ndiaye is firing when he gets back to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and they have just received some good news about his fitness.
Iliman Ndiaye shuts down injury concerns
Ndiaye was withdrawn at half-time during Senegal’s final group stage game against Benin, sparking concerns of an ankle injury.
The Everton man was then an unused substitute for his country’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the last 16, as he recovered from the knock.
However, Ndiaye was back in the starting line-up for Senegal’s quarter-final clash with Mali on Friday, shutting down any concerns that he had picked up a long-term injury.
The former Sheffield United man managed 75 minutes before he was taken off, even scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.
Ndiaye latched onto a loose ball in the six-yard box and passed it into the empty net to take Senegal through to the semi-finals.
Iliman Ndiaye success is bittersweet for Everton
While it is brilliant news for Everton that Ndiaye is fit and still scoring goals, they may have secretly wanted him to be eliminated from the tournament.
The winger’s goal against Mali means that Senegal are through to the semi-finals, where they will face Egypt on Wednesday.
Moyes’ side don’t play again until 18 January, as they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League, but Ndiaye will not be available.
Even if Senegal are beaten by Egypt, they will still have the third-place play-off on 17 January, with the final taking place a day later.
After Aston Villa, Everton welcome Leeds United to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 26 January, and it is yet to be confirmed whether Ndiaye will feature in that one.
Either way, he should be available.