Everton could welcome 2 back from injury v Arsenal | OneFootball

David Moyes has confirmed that Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are in contention to return to the Everton squad for Saturday’s match against Arsenal, as the hosts attempt to recover physically and mentally from a draining midweek Merseyside derby at Anfield.

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Ndiaye, who had been sidelined since February with a knee injury, made his return on Wednesday night as a 69th-minute substitute in the defeat to Liverpool.

Moyes, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, suggested the Senegal international is still short of full sharpness but has done enough to be considered for selection.

“[Ndiaye and McNeil] are both back in training. Ili has been back in training, obviously, and we got him some minutes the other night. Look, he’s getting closer, it’s just that he’s probably lacking real match fitness – but he’s back in the frame and we’re considering him.”

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McNeil, who has not featured since early December due to a knee issue, has now rejoined full training and could make his return to the matchday squad. “Dwight is back in training. He’s been back in and had three or four days now on the grass so he’s getting closer and if we can get him involved we will do.”

The only confirmed absentee is Jesper Lindstrøm, who has been ruled out with a groin problem and is set to see a specialist. Moyes revealed: “Jesper is not available. He’s going to get checked by a specialist – he’s got a groin problem. We’re half looking to see if it could be a hernia, so we’ll check it. He’s not available.”

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The 12.30pm kickoff on Saturday marks Arsenal’s final visit to Goodison Park before Everton move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.