Mirallas and McCarthy both miss out

UPDATE: 2:45pm BST

James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas, both of whom played last weekend against Bournemouth are out of the matchday squad today. McCarthy is said to have reinjured his hamstring while there is still no word on Mirallas.

Everton travel to Middlesbrough with no new injury concerns to worry about. The Blues have had a week to recover from their exertions of last weekend when they beat AFC Bournemouth 6-3 at Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman’s biggest decisions will be on the tactical front as he decides what to do with his surplus of midfielders - Idrissa Gana Gueye is well-rested from his trip to the Africa Cup of Nations while sensational teenager Tom Davies was only used as a substitute last weekend. Once again it’ll be interesting to see if the Dutchman will go for the same 3-5-2 that has served him well.

Muhamed Besic remains a couple of weeks away from resuming training after a six month layoff from an ACL tear, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still on track to return at the end of the month.

For Aitor Karanka, he will gladly welcome back Gaston Ramirez who joined the club for their midweek Spanish retreat after being benched amidst transfer interest from Leicester City. He hasn’t played since the beginning of January with a knee injury.

George Friend and Antonio Barragan are both likely out with injuries. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes should be free to play after not facing any action from the FA following his clash with Tottenham’s Dele Alli last week.