Silva provides squad update ahead of Spurs clash

Everton boss Marco Silva was questioned on a number of squad issues at today’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

Earlier this week, director of football Marcel Brands stated that the Blues would not overspend in the January transfer window, which Silva echoed:

“We do what we did in the summer. We improved our squad. It’s my opinion that the January market is difficult. Even when you try and do something normal you spend more money than in the summer. It is a tough market.

“Me and Marcel are speaking every day about our squad like we do always. We are aware of everything. Let’s see what we can do or not. For now we are focused on a hard match.”

Silva was also asked about the futures of youngster Kieran Dowell, who he would not give an answer about, and veteran club captain Phil Jagielka, who he maintains is a valuable member of the Blues’ squad despite barely playing this season:

“Phil is our captain and an important player for us even if he’s not playing like he did in the past or as much as he wants.”

Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images

Silva added that central midfielder James McCarthy, who has yet to feature this season having recovered from a double leg break in January, is now fully fit and available for selection now:

“He is ready and working. He needs games. It is up to me to decide what moment is best.

“We have solutions in that position, like Morgan [Schneiderlin], Tom [Davies] and even Beni [Baningime]. It is up to me to decide the best solution.”