Everton manager Marco Silva has confirmed that he has been handed a potential triple boost over the fitness of three of his senior stars but that another trio are ruled out of the game against Bournemouth this weekend.
The Toffees are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season against the Cherries, having defeated fellow south coast side Southampton 2-1 last weekend, and the Portuguese boss has revealed on the club’s official Twitter account that he should have Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne available, while Bernard could make it three returns to fitness.
However, he will be missing summer signings Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, both yet to appear for the club, while Morgan Schneiderlin, who started in the win against Southampton, is another sidelined star.
? | The boss also says @b_10duarte is working hard to improve his fitness – and a decision on any potential involvement this weekend will be made tomorrow.
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— Everton (@Everton) August 23, 2018
Opinion
Having Digne and Zouma back in action will be a huge boost to Silva’s plans against the Cherries, while being given the chance to unleash Bernard, most likely from the substitute’s bench, will help his efforts at the other end of the pitch. However, missing Schneiderlin is not what Silva would have wanted, and with Gomes still out of action after signing from Barcelona this summer, it means he has to rely on one of his existing midfield options, although who that might be remains to be seen. A win away at Bournemouth would be brilliant for the Toffees and help continue to lift their spirits after last season’s disappointment. Yes, they have not been handed the hardest of starts in the Premier League but no game is easy and getting off to a flyer will only help them down the road when they do eventually come up against a top six contender. Things are looking good so far, and Silva will be hoping his returning trio can continue their run.