Bolasie could play tomorrow, Barkley and McCarthy are close

Yannick Bolasie continues to make his way back to full fitness after his year-long absence from the game, and could play some part in tomorrow’s game as Everton host Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, manager Sam Allardyce expressed optimism that he could utilize the winger in some way on Saturday.

“Physically he is totally ready, from a technical point of view he’ll be slightly still a little rusty. But we have to think about throwing him in at some stage. The sooner we can do that the better.

“We’re gonna consider him to be on He could be on the substitutes bench tomorrow. We would like and try to get him in the game at some stage, hopefully because we’ve got a result or are getting a result.”

Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images

Ross Barkley meanwhile is training again with the senior squad and could be back to match action very soon, while his future with the club remains uncertain.

“If everything continues like it is then early January.

“I don’t think it’s in our hands at the minute, it’s in Ross’ hands. He knows the door is always open if he wants to talk about staying, that’s never going to be the case that the door is going to be shut.

“Whether he chooses that or not, then what happens, who knows?”

On the subject of how close James McCarthy is to playing -

“James is training everyday with the squad but doesn’t feel as ready as Yannick. That’s a player’s decision, when he’s been out as long as he’s been he wants a little more practice time with the players on a full time basis.”