Everton are “hopeful” Dwight McNeil will be available soon as he continues to deal with a knee injury.

The midfielder has not played since his set pieces were key in the Blues’ 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in early December. The side has struggled to pose a threat in front of goal without his dead ball prowess, scoring just once in the four games since and taking until the 80th minute to get a shot on target in the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

McNeil is dealing with a knee injury suffered earlier this season and which has flared again. Speaking after the game against Forest, Dyche said: “We are hopeful it is settling down and not going to be too long.”

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Also absent at Goodison Park was Seamus Coleman, who had been withdrawn as a precaution late in the Boxing Day draw at Manchester City, only his second Premier League start of the season.

Dyche said the club captain was dealing with a minor injury before the match against Forest but suggested the issue might be one of wider concern after the game as he said: “Seamus is wait and see but it’s early days yet.”

The pair are fighting for a return along with James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, who both suffered injuries in October. Garner remains out with a back injury and Iroegbunam with a foot issue but both are making progress at Finch Farm.