Everton boss David Moyes has provided an injury update ahead of the trip to Burnley on Saturday.
The Toffees travel to Turf Moor looking to get back to winning ways following last week’s defeat to Arsenal.
The influential Dewsbury-Hall was absent for the 1-0 defeat to the Gunners. However, Merlin Rohl made a return to the matchday squad after a spell in the treatment room.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference today, Moyes confirmed that squad availability remains much the same for Saturday’s fixture.
He said: “[We’re looking] just about the same as we were at the weekend – not too much change.”
Moyes also provided an update on the fitness of defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 23-year-old is yet to feature this season, but is ‘getting closer’ to a return.
Moyes continued: “[The players who are out injured], are all improving as we get on. Jarrad is getting closer to the grass now and getting closer, so we’re hoping we can maybe get him by the end of the month – but it might be a bit longer than that. We’ll need to see.”
“Look, he’s not due to integrate back in for at least another two to three weeks, maybe more, so it’s not as if I’m getting him back quickly.
“I’m just saying it’s beginning to look better than it was. We’re getting closer to a point of that.”
A BRANTHWAITE RETURN WOULD BE HUGE BOOST, BUT PATIENCE WITH THE PLAYER WILL BE KEY DUE TO LENGTH OF TIME OUT
Both Everton and Burnley will be without players due to their participation at AFCON. Indeed, Burnley will be without Lyle Foster and Axel Tuanzebe who will play for South Africa at the tournament.
Hannibal Mejbri will also be unavailable for Scot Parker’s side, serving the final game of his four-match ban.
Burnley sit second from bottom in the table with just 11 points and a goal difference of -15.
Despite key players missing from the squad, the Blues must bring back maximum points.
Former Everton forward Armando Broja rescued a late point at Bournemouth last week. However, the Lancashire club has lost the previous seven consecutive games and are without a win since October.
