Dwight McNeil could return for Brighton v Everton. Credit: Imago

Dwight McNeil 'drops major injury return hint' ahead of Brighton v Everton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

23 Jan 2025, 4:10 am

Dwight McNeil has been unavailable for Everton since suffering a knee injury against Wolves back in December.

The 25-year-old played a vital role in Sean Dyche's last victory in charge at Goodison Park, though he was unable to get on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Wolves last month.

He was replaced by Jack Harrison with 15 minutes of the clash remaining, and while he has not featured since, the forward remains the Toffees' most influential player with six goal contributions.

While David Moyes has kicked off his new tenure on Merseyside with an incredible 3-2 win over Tottenham, the Scot is still waiting for multiple players to return from injury.

Armando Broja, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam have all been sidelined with long-term injuries, but McNeil might be closing in on a much-anticipated return after over seven weeks out.

Dwight McNeil to return from injury for Brighton v Everton?

Posting via his Instagram Stories on Wednesday [22 January], McNeil shared a video of himself scoring against the Seagulls in August 2023 with the caption: "Favourite kit," with love heart eyes and pink heart.

The video is clearly a timely reminder of what the former Burnley man is capable of when firing on all cylinders, having scored twice in that famous 5-1 win at the Amex Stadium.

If the midfielder is to return from injury in time for the Toffees' trip to the coast, he will be desperate to add to his 14 goals and 13 assists since moving to Merseyside.

And if he were to be available for selection, there is almost no doubt that Moyes would throw him straight into the starting XI, giving the Toffees every chance of grabbing victory.

The manager has already suggested that McNeil will not be available for the game, but with coaches often playing mind games, he might have just been a little conservative [Liverpool Echo].

While it might just be a coincidence, McNeil's post looks to be a major hint ahead of the clash at the Amex Stadium on Saturday 25 January.

In other Everton news, Marcus Edwards to Goodison Park news has been shared in a new transfer update.

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Dwight McNeil

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