Two new signings join Everton training session

Bernard and Kurt Zouma have started training with Marco Silva’s Everton squad after joining the club during the just-ended summer transfer window.

The Brazilian Bernard is a free agent after the expiration of his deal with Shakhtar Donetsk, and has been out injured since March. While he has recovered fully now, it’ll likely still be a couple of weeks at least before he sees some game time as he works on his fitness.

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma had been training with the London side before his loan move north, and could be pressed into action as soon as this weekend for Southampton’s visit to Goodison Park following the sending off of captain Phil Jagielka last weekend. Zouma was spotted at Halewood getting onto the training pitch talking earnestly with Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin, before greeting Marco Silva and other members of his staff.

Meanwhile, there is still no sign of Colombian defender Yerry Mina. It was expected that he came to Merseyside together with his former Barcelona teammate Andre Gomes, but while the Portuguese midfielder has been around town and was spotted at the Bramley-Moore dock area, there have been no sightings of the 6’5” Mina as yet.

Gomes has been interacting with fans as he recovers from a minor muscle issue and is expected back at training by the end of the month, while other signings Richarlison and Lucas Digne are already key members of the first team squad.

Richarlison and Bernard were seen by fans at the Albert Dock area of the waterfront, and the pair were only too happy to take pictures with young fans.

It’s great to see the new players integrating into the community already, but it’s how quickly they become part of the playing squad that will determine their eventual success.