Sean Dyche facing Arnaut Danjuma decision as Everton set for double squad boost

Everton continue their preparations for the new season on Saturday when they take on Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

The Blues remain unbeaten this pre-season after wins over Stade Nyonnais and Wigan Athletic were followed by a 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night. Both sides, however, had chances during an entertaining 90 minutes at the Toughsheet Stadium.

Sean Dyche opted to freshen things up for the game in Greater Manchester, with the Everton boss using 21 players for the game, with only goalkeeper Joao Virginia completing the full 90 minutes.

A number of players from the club’s first-team setup were given the night off, with new signing Arnaut Danjuma also not involved against Ian Evatt’s side. However, that could change this weekend.

For the fixture against Alex Neil’s side, Danjuma could make his Everton debut after taking part in a full week of training. The Blues officially announced his signing on Sunday afternoon.

Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner could also both make their first appearances this pre-season. The pair were given extra time off after helping England under-21s secure their first European Championship in 39 years earlier this summer.

In terms of starting changes, Jordan Pickford could come in and replace Virginia after being given the night off against Bolton. While either Ben Godfrey or Mason Holgate could start in place of Michael Keane or James Tarkowski.

In midfield, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure could come in for either Andre Gomes or Amadou Onana, who both started against the Trotters. Ashley Young could also move into midfield after starting at left back on Tuesday night.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has yet to feature for Everton this pre-season, and although he was part of the group that travelled to Evian earlier this month, it still remains to be seen whether he will start against the Championship club.

However, a number of the club’s youngsters, who have featured heavily so far this summer, are expected to be included in the matchday squad, but again, it remains to be seen as to whether their playing time will now start to be cut as preparations for Fulham next month ramp up.

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And one player potentially on that list is midfielder Andre Gomes, but he looks certain to leave following his disappointing display in the goalless draw.

It was the 29-year-old’s very first appearance under Dyche, having been sent out on loan last season to Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

According to the Liverpool Echo (26 July), the French club are keen to bring him back, with the newspaper adding that the player sent the completely wrong message to Dyche in the recent meeting with Bolton.

“If Blues supporters were hoping to see the Andre Gomes who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, then they headed home disappointed,” according to the Liverpool Echo.

“Quite simply, Gomes could not get into the game. On a number of occasions, he was caught in possession in both halves and looked a tad off the pace as the play opened up. This was far from the message the midfielder would have wanted to send to Sean Dyche.”

 

Gomes is undoubtedly among the club’s highest earners, so aside from the performance-related reasoning for a potential sale, there is most certainly a financial reason.

Everton’s financial struggles are out there for the world to see, so getting rid of an outcast like Gomes is an absolute no-brainer as the Toffees try and raise some much-needed funds this summer.

At 29, the former Barcelona man undoubtedly has plenty more to give in his career, but he really hasn’t shown his full potential in the blue of Everton

Dyche needs players that are committed to the club if his team are to have any form of success on the pitch next season, and it remains to be seen if Gomes has his heart set on helping out his new manager.

The midfielder may, however, be simply running down the days until Lille get their act together with an offer that suits all parties.