Everton manager David Moyes has issued injury updates on Dwight McNeil and Youssef Chermiti while addressing the possibility of using centre-back Michael Keane as an auxiliary striker.

Ahead of the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday, the Blues boss admitted that McNeil, who has netted four goals and provided three assists this season but hasn’t featured since the 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 4, might have to go under the knife.

Moyes said: “Dwight’s had a minor surgery. I’ve just spoken to him as I walked into the press conference.

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“It’s the first I’d seen him. He’s back in the building.

“So, hopefully this is sorting out his injury that was a little bit different to diagnose. But hopefully this will help get him back.

“Chermiti is back on the grass today. I’m getting told four weeks until we might have a chance of getting him back but today was his first day and he was out with the physios.”

When the 61-year-old admitting that Everton were finding it difficult to bring in the signings they want before the transfer deadline because of PSR restrictions, he was asked whether defender Keane, who has struck twice in 10 Premier League matches this season could be deployed up front. Moyes said: “Let’s be fair, he’s not a centre-forward. But everybody seems to tell me that he’s always done quite well.

“I remember him from years ago and he played quite well for Burnley before he came here as well. When I was at United, I had him for a while.

“We’re going to try anything. We’re going to need everybody to try and be adaptable and flexible and see what possibilities we’ve got.

“It’s not the first thought in my mind... but I might need it.”