Jarrad Branthwaite is doubtful for Everton's Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Saturday, reportedly sustaining a quad injury just days after making his first appearance of the season.
The sought-after centre-back was exemplary in helping the Toffees to their first league win of the season over Crystal Palace a week ago, as Everton were able to hold onto a lead for the first time this season, at the fourth time of asking.
Michael Keane is now set to return to the starting XI, as manager Sean Dyche could make two alterations to his Everton side after the impact Jack Harrison made off the bench last week.
The Toffees came from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, claiming their first league victory after being behind in two years, and it was that half-time substitution which had a big impact.
Harrison had been out of form and lacking confidence, but after a "below par" performance, as Dyche put it, from Jesper Lindstrom in the first 45, the Leeds United loanee was introduced, and his cross led to the eventual winner from Dwight McNeil.
McNeil's brace last week took him to six goal involvements in six games, and saw him nominated for Premier League Player of the Month for September - the first Everton player to do so since Alex Iwobi in September 2022.
According to Whoscored, only Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Giovani Lo Celso and Omar Marmoush recorded a higher average rating than McNeil during the month in Europe's top-five leagues.
Alongside him will be new signing Iliman Ndiaye, which is the name on every Everton's supporter's lips currently, as his scintillating performances have been the catalyst behind the team's much-improved attacking record so far this season.
Nathan Patterson is almost ready to return to first-team action, while Dyche is hopeful that fellow right-back and captain Seamus Coleman will be back after the international break.
That does mean Ashley Young is set to start again on the right-hand side of defence, and despite a tricky start to the campaign, he has recorded assists in back-to-back games, having previously not managed a single one since 2021.
Not yet ready for a return are striking duo Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja, but the latter is making progress in his comeback, having started light training this week.
The midfield duo Dyche will go for is tough to call, with Idrissa Gueye back up to full pace, but Orel Mangala should continue after a promising performance last weekend, partnering Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Everton possible starting lineup: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Mangala, Doucoure; Harrison, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Click here to see how Newcastle could line up on Saturday.
Andrew Delaney
