Everton manager Rafael Benitez has given an update on the fitness of attacking duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
Calvert-Lewin has been ruled out of action since the end of August with a broken toe, while his Braziian teammate has missed the last four league games with a knee issue.
Speaking to reporters after the Toffees' 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, Benitez said: "I think Richarlison is closer, Dominic will take longer but Richarlison is getting closer. The fact we were winning without Richarlison or Dominic means we could do it the same but when you play against a good team and you have some chances you have to take them and if not you have to carry on."
The England international found the net in each of his three Premier League appearances at the beginning of the season, and his and Richarlison's absences have left new arrival Salomon Rondon to lead the line with the support of fellow summer signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray.
The Merseyside outfit were handed their first home league defeat of the campaign on Sunday by former manager David Moyes, seeing them drop to eighth spot with 14 points from the opening eight games.
Sam Varley
