Arnaut Danjuma will take the next step in his recovery from an ankle injury when he turns out for Everton Under-21s tomorrow evening against Blackburn Rovers.
Assuming he comes through the match without any reaction, he could be in the frame for the senior side’s clash with Chelsea on Monday.
While an unlikely starter at Stamford Bridge due to his lack of match sharpness, he could use any minutes off the bench to press his claims for the crucial home game against Nottingham Forest next weekend.
Danjuma has been out of action since the end of January when he suffered the injury late in the goalless draw at Fulham.
His absence has restricted Sean Dyche’s options on the flanks, a situation compounded by injury to Lewis Dobbin during the recent three-week break from action last month.
Dyche revealed in his press conference at Finch Farm today that James Garner picked up “just a knock” in training and that Dominic Calvert-Lewin skipped training with a “niggly” hamstring issue but the medical staff expect that to settle down in time for him to be ready for Monday.
There was good news, however, with Dyche confirming that Amadou Onana is back in full training after missing last week’s win over Burnley with soreness.
Idrissa Gueye will also be in contention for a place in the lineup, after being allowed to remain at his wife’s side following the birth of their child, in the early hours before the fixture against the Clarets.