Marco Silva provides Everton injury update

Everton will likely to have to roll out the same squad tomorrow against Huddersfield Town as they did midweek against Rotherham United. Speaking during his pre-match press conference today, manager Marco Silva did not necessarily have much encouraging news on the injury front.

When asked if Bernard would be fit for tomorrow, he said -

“No, no. For tomorrow’s game, no. He’s got a small problem, but he’ll start work with the team next week. The break will be good to get him back to fitness. Not just him but the team as well.

“He has a small muscular problem. Some players who didn’t have a whole preseason - the preseason is very important for all. As you know, we signed some players very late in the transfer market, and some didn’t have a preseason. Bernard is one of them, sometimes it’s not easy for them to follow the intensity of the training and the games.”

About midfield dynamo Idrissa Gueye, Silva added -

“It is possible, he might be available for the match.

“If I have all the players available for a match then it will be easier for us to make a decision. With everyone available we are stronger for sure. I have to decide with who we have who has to be in the starting eleven, and I have the confidence in all of them.”

With only two central defenders available, the manager confirmed that Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma would start.

“I am happy with them. They did well last games as well.”

Michael Keane is doing better after sustaining a hairline fracture to his skull following an accidental collision with Gueye late in the game.

“Yes he is progressing well, he was with us yesterday as well. He has been coming here (to Finch Farm) every day now. The break will be good for him as well, we are hoping he can return as soon as possible.”

Staying with the defence, he also talked about Lucas Digne who started his first Everton game midweek.

“He did well, he had a good performance, shows good physical conditions. He works really hard every day to achieve that.

“He’s a quality player, we knew what we were getting when we signed him.

“Between Leighton Baines and him will be a good fight. They have to compete, and I like to have to take that kind of decision.”