Everton manager David Moyes has been handed a double injury boost ahead of facing Liverpool in the Premier League next midweek with two players returning to training a few days before his side’s trip to Anfield.
Iliman Ndiaye has been absent since hobbling off in the Goodison Park edition of the derby a few weeks ago. The No. 10 is closing in on a return to action to bolster Moyes’ options.
Dwight McNeil, meanwhile, has also made a comeback on the training field at Finch Farm. The 25-year-old former Burnley winger has not played under Moyes yet having been sidelined with a knee problem since December.
It remains to be seen whether or not either player can be involved in the game against Liverpool, which comes next Wednesday. Having been out for a while, neither player will be rushed back too soon. McNeil, in particular, will need easing back into action.
The Reds will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, while Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch both suffered scares during the international break. Tyler Morton remains out with a shoulder injury.
Arne Slot’s men will want to come out on top in the derby having been penned back to a 2-2 draw in February’s rearranged fixture. He was sent off on that day by referee Michael Oliver and then served a two-game ban.
“I think what happened was that the extra time, the additional five minutes that ended up being eight, a lot happened and the emotions got the better of me,” Slot explained in a later press conference.
“If I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I’m hoping to do [it] differently next time as well. What exactly has been said or what has happened, I just told you there is an ongoing process and I don’t want to disturb that.”
No matter the outcome in the Anfield derby, Liverpool is in a virtually unassailable position in the Premier League table. With nine games remaining, it finds itself 12 points clear of Arsenal at the summit. The Gunners face Fulham on Tuesday and then travel to Goodison Park on Saturday of next week.
Liverpool.com says: No matter who lines up for either side at Anfield, Liverpool will win the game if it plays to its proper potential. It feels like the international break came at a good time for Slot’s side after a tough week with defeats to PSG and Newcastle. With a break and a rest having been taken thanks to the players going away with their countries, they should come back rejuvenated.
