Everton set for double injury boost as Sean Dyche gives Jarrad Branthwaite update

James Garner and Seamus Coleman could overcome their fitness problems to compete for a place in the Everton squad for next Saturday's home game against Bournemouth. Both players have missed the start of the season with calf injuries.

The pair are among a clutch of senior players Everton manager Sean Dyche has been left without at the beginning of a campaign that has begun with heavy defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

But while they may not quite be ready to feature in the Carabao Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, Dyche is hopeful his ranks might be bolstered for Bournemouth’s visit to Goodison Park next weekend.

That fixture is set to be an important one for the Blues after a tough start to the season.

The international break that follows should present an opportunity for players to work towards rehabilitation and match fitness but there is a chance of Dyche’s hand being strengthened before then.

Ashley Young will be available after his one-match suspension following his red card against Brighton.

And of Garner and Seamus Coleman, Dyche said they were expected to increase their training programme this week, adding: “Whether they have got enough under their belts training-wise to risk on Tuesday we will have to wait and see.”

He added that star centre back Jarrad Branthwaite “will be a bit longer” as he continues to recover from a groin operation at the start of the summer, while Youssef Chermiti is a long-term absence following the foot injury he suffered in pre-season.