Everton could welcome Irish duo James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman back for Sunday’s noon showdown with Manchester United, while Steven Pienaar is also in the reckoning.
McCarthy is suffering from fatigue in his quad while Coleman is recovering from a minor soft tissue injury, and both were absent from Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Krasnodar.
Roberto Martinez confirmed at his Finch Farm press conference today that the pair would face a late fitness test before the game at Old Trafford.
Pienaar is back in training and could also feature.
Provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Alcaraz, Oviedo, Baines, McCarthy, Pienaar, Besic, Gibson, Barry, Atsu, Osman, McGeady, Eto’o, Lukaku, Naismith, Browning, Robles.
Wayne Rooney begins a three-match ban for Manchester United following his sending off last week against West Ham, meaning he misses out on facing his former club.
Midfielder Ander Herrera suffered a rib injury against the Hammers and is also ruled out, along with a host of other crocked first-teamers including Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young.
Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has suggested that both Juan Mata and rookie defender Paddy McNair will face Everton.
He said: “I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well.”
The Dutchman added: “We still have three central defenders injured so he [McNair] shall play. He is the only player who can play in the right-sided defensive position.”
Tyler Blackett is also back after serving a ban.
Click here to read our scouting report on Manchester United
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