Everton manager Sean Dyche has delivered an extensive update on the fitness of his first-team squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Leicester City.
The Toffees have endured a miserable 2024-25 campaign thus far having lost each of their opening five matches across all competitions.
Dyche and co have failed to pick up a single point in four Premier League matches, most recently losing 3-2 away against Aston Villa last weekend, letting a two-goal lead slip for the second successive match having previously lost by the same scoreline to Bournemouth before the international break.
Everton have also been knocked out of the EFL Cup after suffering third-round penalty-shootout heartache to fellow top-flight strugglers Southampton on Tuesday, losing 6-5 in the shootout at Goodison Park following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
The Toffees have been struck by a mass of injuries and illness in recent weeks and were subsequently down to just 12 first-team outfield players against Southampton.
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Dyche provides mixed fitness update ahead of Leicester clash
Ahead of this weekend's trip to the King Power Stadium, Dyche attended his pre-match press conference with a lengthy list of names to remember all of Everton's known absentees and doubtful players.
Dyche has confirmed that Jack Harrison left Everton's Finch Farm training complex on Thursday due to illness, while Idrissa Gueye is "unavailable due to a personal issue."
James Garner remains absent due to illness and Michael Keane is due to undergo a "precautionary scan" for an unspecified issue.
Armando Broja - a loan signing from Chelsea - remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Dyche has confirmed that Seamus Coleman's calf problem "is worse than expected" and will therefore face an extended period in the treatment room.
On a positive note, Dyche has revealed that Jarrad Branthwaite (groin) and Nathan Patterson (illness) are both "making progress" and may play for the Under-21s this weekend.
Both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Vitaliy Mykolenko could be involved at Leicester after recovering from illness, while James Tarkowski may also be available after a spell out with a minor back injury.
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When discussing the recovery of key defender Branthwaite, who is yet to play for Everton this season after undergoing groin surgery in the summer, Dyche added: "It's a boost if he comes through it, that's the main thing.
"I don't like talking about players and injuries because you never know. If he comes through this period fit and ready, of course it's a boost because he's a very good player."
Dyche continued: "[Injury and illness issues have] not been that helpful. I had enough from pre-season, it's been an awkward run.
"We're hopeful we can get a few bodies back so we've got a proper days' prep. It's a rare reality, but still a reality I've not experienced this many injured and ill in such a short space of time."
Despite Everton's fitness woes, there is reason for Dyche and co to be optimistic of success on Saturday, as the Toffees are unbeaten in their last three visitors to Leicester, winning twice in December 2020 (0-2) and May 2022 (1-2) as well as drawing 1-1 in their most recent trip in May 2023.
Oliver Thomas
