Everton boss Marco Silva has confirmed that defender Phil Jagielka is likely to return to training next week.
Talking in the press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, Silva confirmed that the 5ft 11in [Transfermarkt] enforcer is likely to make a return to the training ground soon.
He also provided an update on Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes, who he says are still out and are not likely to make an imminent return to training.
Yerry Mina has been working with the first team and is making progress – but Silva has still refused to confirm that he will be involved in the fixture with the Gunners.
“Some of the injured players returned to training. Jags will return to the training next week I think. Gomes and Coleman still out. Mina has had a full week working with the team. He is getting better every day,” he said [as transribed by the Liverpool Echo].
OPINION
The fact that Phil Jagielka is likely to return to training next week will undoubtedly be a major boost for Marco Silva. Against West Ham, the back line were all over the place and the return of the centre-back into the first team fold is just what they need to strengthen that position. The fact that Mina is making good progress is also great news – but it is bizarre that he has not confirmed whether the Colombian international will play a part in the game. Mina is yet to make his debut for the Toffees, and fans will undoubtedly feel that there is no better match for him to be involved in than this one with Arsenal. It will be interesting if he does feature at some stage, and what sort of impact he would make if he did. Nevertheless, the injury news has been rather positive – and fingers crossed Gomes and Coleman make a swift return to action.