Everton manager David Moyes has delivered a mixed bag of injury news ahead of his side's Premier League encounter with Brentford this Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Keane's Race Against Time
The most significant update concerns defender Michael Keane, who has been a mainstay in central defence this season alongside James Tarkowski. Keane missed Everton's impressive 2-0 away victory against Nottingham Forest in midweek, but Moyes revealed the English centre-back now has a 'chance' of being available for the weekend fixture.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Toffees' boss was cautiously optimistic. 'Michael Keane has got a chance but I would say the others don't have a chance no,' Moyes stated, ruling out immediate returns for midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and forward Charley Alcaraz.
Grealish Returns as Others Remain Sidelined
There was positive news regarding Jack Grealish, however. The Manchester City loanee has returned to full training after being struck down by a severe illness over the festive period. '[Grealish] is much better, he looks much better, much fresher in the face and sharper,' Moyes confirmed. 'He had a really bad illness and it affected him with sickness and all of the other stuff that comes with it. He's looking a bit better now and is certainly back in training.'
The injury list at Goodison Park remains lengthy, nonetheless. Defensive duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman continue their recovery from hamstring injuries. Furthermore, the club is without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye due to their ongoing participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
European Push Continues Amidst Squad Challenges
Everton's need for a full-strength squad is heightened by their strong league position. A positive first half of the campaign sees the Merseyside club sitting eighth in the Premier League table, just five points adrift of rivals Liverpool in the coveted fourth Champions League spot.
Moyes acknowledged the progress made, especially following last season's relegation battle and the move to their new stadium. 'I think if you'd said (that) to me when I came in this is how it was going to be, that would be fantastic,' he reflected. 'It shows the club has made progress... All in all, I think there is a lot of good things we're beginning to get that feeling back at the club and we want to try and build on it.'
The manager emphasised the fine margins in the division, noting how quickly fortunes can change. 'You can lose two games in this league and be near the bottom, you can win two games and you can be talked about in glowing terms,' he said. His hope is to keep the team in contention until the final stages of the season to mount a serious challenge for European qualification.
