Sunderland star could return against Everton

While Everton fans await further updates on the injury statuses of Romelu Lukaku, James McCarthy, and Kevin Mirallas, their next opponents Sunderland are set to receive a boost in the form of returning goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Vito Mannone has been unsteady at best while deputising, so the positive injury news will be a relief to ex-Everton boss David Moyes, who already lost first choice defender Patrick Van Aanholt in the January transfer window.

With the Black Cats in the midst of a fierce relegation battle, Pickford’s return could be the needed catalyst to help them out of a slump that has seen them lose four of their past six league games.

Pickford spoke to the media earlier this week at an awards ceremony:

Yes, the knee is fine now...Hopefully, I'll be ready for Everton.

Depending on who you believe, the young Englishman has at one time or another been on the radar of Ronald Koeman to help boost Everton’s goalkeeping ranks, but with the outstanding recent form of Joel Robles, it’s possible that search is called off indefinitely.