Ndiaye Given All-Clear for Crucial Fulham Fixture
Everton have received a significant boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Fulham this Saturday, with key attacker Iliman Ndiaye declared fully fit and available for selection. The Senegal international had caused concern after being substituted during Monday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland, a match in which he had scored his team's goal.
Moyes Confirms Positive Training Return
Addressing the media in his pre-match press conference, Toffees manager David Moyes provided a reassuring update on the 25-year-old's condition. 'He’s fine. He’s trained today, so hopefully everything is okay,' the Everton boss confirmed. This news will come as a major relief for the Goodison Park faithful, as Ndiaye has been an ever-present and influential figure this season.
The winger has started all ten of Everton's league fixtures in the current campaign, establishing himself as a primary source of creativity and goals from the right flank. His strike against Sunderland was his fourth Premier League goal of the season, underscoring his importance to Moyes's attacking plans.
Moyes Dismisses Transfer Speculation
Ndiaye's consistently impressive performances have inevitably led to mounting speculation regarding his long-term future at the club. However, Moyes was quick to quash any rumours of a potential departure, firmly stating the club's position.
'I don’t really see the speculation, probably because I’m not looking,' Moyes remarked. He went on to highlight the player's contractual security, noting, 'He’s got three-and-a-half years left on his deal here, maybe more, so it’s something we’re fully aware of.'
Emphasising the club's ambition, the Scottish manager added, 'He’s been playing really well and it’d be wrong for teams not to talk about him because of his form but, here at Everton, we’re building a team. We want to build with players like Ili, so we’ve got no intention of letting him go, that’s for sure.'
Injury Concerns Elsewhere and Team Form
While the news on Ndiaye is positive, Everton's injury list is not entirely clear. The defensive pairing of Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson continue to be sidelined with longer-term issues, leaving gaps at the back.
The team's form provides additional context for the importance of Ndiaye's return. Everton have managed to secure just one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions, a run they are desperate to end. Fulham, in contrast, arrive at Goodison Park with renewed confidence after a 3-0 victory over Wolves snapped a disappointing four-game losing streak in the league, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
