Everton news ahead of their Premier League game against Fulham.
Frank Lampard looks set to omit two players from his Everton matchday squad against Fulham today (5.30 BST).
The Toffees’ injury list looks much healthier than it did several weeks ago and they will welcome a key man back to Craven Cottage.
Nathan Patterson is available again, having been sidelined since September with an ankle injury.
Patterson was very impressive as he started the first seven Premier League games of the season.
However, the Scotland international may not make an immediate return to the Everton team as Seamus Coleman has come in superbly.
Lampard has confirmed that Patterson will be in the matchday squad.
“Patterson is back in the squad for this weekend,” the Blues boss said in his pre-match press conference.
“It’s very good [selection] headache. It’s exactly what I wanted.
“Nathan has been really, really good this season until he got injured unfortunately.
“That allowed Seamus to come in, find fitness and performance and I think he peaked last weekend against Crystal Palace and against [WIlfried] Zaha, who is one of the most difficult players to play in this position.
“It’s a very healthy competition between two guys — one who’s been here a long time and one who’s coming through.
“They get along very well and I’m more than happy with the situation.”
Everton have Yerry Mina (calf), Ben Godfrey (broken leg) and Andros Townsend (ACL) still sidelined.
But with Patterson set to return to the matchday 20, two outfield players will have to be left out, along with third-choice goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.
Ruben Vinagre was not needed for last week’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. The versatile left-back is on a season-long loan at Everton from Sporting Lisbon, but has made just three appearances so far.
And with Patterson back, it could be a defender like Mason Holgate or Michael Keane omitted from the squad.
Or Lampard may decide to have one less midfielder on the bench, which would likely mean Abdoulaye Doucoure or Tom Davies not making the bench.
There is also the possibility that striker Salomon Rondon will be out.