Iliman Ndiaye straight back in as three changes made - Everton predicted XI vs Stuttgart
Iliman Ndiaye could make his long-awaited return for Everton in their friendly with Stuttgart on Saturday.
The 26-year-old had an extended break due to his involvement in the World Cup with Senegal, but came back to training earlier this week.
David Moyes will want to get him fit for the start of the season, so that he can play against Crystal Palace on 22 August.
The Blues face the German side as the last leg of their tour on 8 August at the MHP Arena.
They will be hoping to follow up their 2-1 victory over Hamburg last time out, and their chances would increase with the Africa Cup of Nations winner in the side.
Goodison News looks at how the Toffees will line-up for the contest.
Who could come into Everton's team against Stuttgart?
Jordan Pickford not yet joined the side after the World Cup, so Mark Travers is expected to fill in between the sticks again.
The Blues are yet to sign a right-back, so Jake O'Brien might start in the position, with Adam Aznou potentially getting a chance on the left side of defence over Vitalii Mykolenko.
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are expected to continue their partnership at the heart of the backline.
New signing Christian Norgaard will not be involved, as The Athletic reported on Thursday that is set to remain at Finch Farm.
That means that Hayden Hackney and Merlin Rohl might continue at the base of midfield, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ahead of them, and Tim Iroegbunam may have to settle for the bench.
Ndiaye and Tyrique George are expected to be the partnership of the flanks, after the Senegal star's comeback.
Beto is predicted to come into the side, with Thierno Barry having to wait for his opportunity to make an impact.
Why Ndiaye will be crucial for Everton this season
Ndiaye could be one of Moyes' most important players in the 2026-27 campaign.
He notched six goals and three assists last season in the top-flight, and was absolutely electric at times.
Michael Keane summed up his importance after Ndiaye scored in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland in November.
Speaking to the club's official website, he said: “He's incredible, yeah, his dribbling, I feel like he's gone up another level this year."
The Hill Dickinson Stadium side will hope that the winger can get back to his exceptional best sooner rather than later, and their best chance is getting him back into the action quicker.