Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - December 26, 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui, Daniel Podence and Everton's Nathan Patterson react REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Everton have now been gifted a double injury boost as Sean Dyche has confirmed that Nathan Patterson and James Garner will play for the U21s on Friday.
The Lowdown: Injury lay-offs
Patterson has seen a knee injury keep him out of action since the beginning of January, while Garner has been missing with a back problem since November.
They had made 22 appearances between them previously this season, and so remain a key part of the squad going into the remainder of the campaign.
The Latest: U21 comeback
Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match at home to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, Dyche has confirmed that both Patterson and Garner ‘will play’ for the U21s against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, as they look to step up their recovery from injury:
“James Garner and Nathan Patterson will play for the U21s tomorrow which I’ll watch. They’re not ready for us yet but they’ve been back with us on the grass.”
The Verdict: Big boost
Having Patterson and Garner return to the pitch, albeit in an U21s game, is a big boost for the Goodison Park outfit, as it suggests that they will return to first-team action soon.
The £58,000-per-week duo have been among their best performers in the Premier League so far, with only Yerry Mina matching Patterson’s average of three tackles per game, while they both rank highly for interceptions and pass success rate (WhoScored).
Nonetheless, Toffees supporters will want to see more of Garner especially given that he was a new summer signing, and they will be hoping that they can both return to first-team action soon.
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