Thursday’s Toffee Bites: Have Everton already found their left back?

Luke Garbutt deserves a chance. The 24-year-old left back was once thought of as Leighton Baines’ clear heir along Everton’s back line. But his career has hit a snag recently. Loans to Fulham and Wigan Athletic have left a bit to be desired, and this season he’s found himself on the fringes of senior football, spending almost all of his time with the U-23s.

But things are getting desperate at Goodison Park. Baines is injured and nowhere near returning. Cuco Martina has held his own, but has limitations and isn’t a natural left back. He needs help. If Seamus Coleman returns to the lineup soon, that could allow Jonjoe Kenny to move away from right back, but that still leaves the Blues lacking depth on the left.

At this point, allowing Steve Walsh and Sam Allardyce to spend more money seems unwise. There may be shakeups at the top of the organization. The safest bet may be to allow Garbutt to have an extended run in the team and then re-evaluate the position in the summer.

In case you missed it

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The Toffees’ poor season is set to spark change at the top

Coleman wants to be inspiration for McCarthy during injury recovery
James McCarthy faces a long and arduous road back to fitness - but it’s a journey Seamus Coleman has just overcome

Thursday’s Toffee Bites

How Everton defender Luke Garbutt has earned first-team chance - Liverpool Echo
Garbutt been training with Sam Allardyce's senior squad.

Dyche signs new Burnley dea, seals Lennon swoop - The Guardian
Aaron Lennon believes he still has plenty to offer after joining Burnley from Everton for a nominal fee on the day that Sean Dyche signed a new long-term contract at Turf Moor.

James McCarthy confirms operation on broken leg is successful - Sky Sports
Everton's James McCarthy has confirmed that he has undergone a successful operation after suffering a double leg break.

Pickford: Boss' 'Balanced' Approach Will Get Us Winning Again - EvertonFC.com
Jordan Pickford says manager Sam Allardyce has adopted a “balanced” approach to rejuvenating Everton ahead of next Wednesday's Premier League meeting with Leicester City.

What and How to Watch

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