Muhamed Besic has admitted that it has been "frustrating" to miss the last two months with a hamstring injury.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international sustained the injury early in Everton's 3-1 win over Chelsea in September, before making his return while on international duty earlier this week.
The 23-year-old told the club's website: "This is the first time in my life that I have been injured for this long. It has been disappointing but you can learn from it.
"It is frustrating because I want to play. For a few days after the injury I was very disappointed after that I just focused on working in the gym to get stronger.
"I got 45 minutes for Bosnia in the international break and I am fit but I expect nothing. It is frustrating to be on the sidelines of course, but that is football. We have a lot of other players. I have been out for three months so I have to be patient. I will wait for my chance and when the gaffer says he needs me, I'll be ready."
Everton host Aston Villa in the Premier League tomorrow.
