Huge relief for Everton on injury front

Marco Silva spoke to the media as Everton geared up for a return to league football following the last international break of 2018. The Blues host Cardiff City at Goodison Park tomorrow, with some question marks surrounding the fitness of a number of players.

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Gomes both picked up knocks in the Toffees last game before the break against Chelsea, while Ademola Lookman was injured on international duty for the England youth side.

However, the manager put the supporters’ fears to rest confirming that both Sigurdsson and Gomes are fit. Silva said both players trained over the last week and a half, not having reported to their respective international camps over the break.

> “We had some worries during the week about Gylfi but he’s ok and that’s good. The same with Andre. They are okay, they’ve had the week to recover, they are very good.”

He refused to use injuries as an excuse for any poor performances, insisting that there was a silver lining in those clouds too.

“I don’t sit crying every day. Even if one of the best players in our squad is injured, it is a good moment for another player in the squad to come in.

“They know this moment, the players who aren’t playing, it is important to keep working.”

With five fit centerhalves, Silva admitted he had a challenge on his hands picking his starting lineup.

“In my mind we have five options [for centre back]. Tomorrow I have to take the decision, but it is a good headache.