Everton have found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle once again this season in the Premier League, however, since Sean Dyche arrived at Goodison Park last month it has given the side a huge boost.
The Toffees are now 16th in the top-flight table, climbing out of the relegation zone following a victory over Leeds United last weekend and are now one point clear of the drop with 15 games remaining.
Despite Dyche’s quick turnaround of improved performances, the former Burnley boss has already felt the strain of the managers who preceded him with a number of injuries to key players weakening his opportunity to play his very best side available.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered another injury problem to his thigh which has ruled the striker out for the foreseeable and now talented midfielder Amadou Onana is a huge doubt for the upcoming game against Aston Villa after suffering a knee problem in the second half of the clash with Leeds on Saturday.
As a result, the newly-appointed manager must now look to the depth in his squad to ensure quality isn’t compromised at this crucial stage of the season for Everton and unleashing returnee James Garner could be the perfect solution during Onana’s potential absence.
Is Garner available for the Aston Villa game?
The Merseysiders will host Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon and Dyche will be hoping his unbeaten home form can continue when Unai Emery’s side pay a visit.
Garner returned to action following his recovery from a long-term back injury when he played for the U21s last Friday alongside fellow youngster Nathan Patterson who is also getting back to match fitness after suffering his own fitness issue.
The former Manchester United academy graduate made a £15m move to Everton last summer but hasn’t been able to hit the ground running at his new club as of yet but now he could have the golden opportunity to prove himself to his new manager should Onana be unable to recover in time for the weekend.
Garner has only made six Premier League appearances averaging at just 23 minutes per performance this season so far, however, the 21-year-old ace displayed how effective he can be in the centre of the pitch during his season-long spell with Nottingham Forest last season.
Over 41 Championship appearances, the young midfielder – hailed “phenomenal” by Trevor Sinclair – scored four goals, registered eight assists and created seven big chances, as well as averaging two key passes.
He also registered 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and won 3.9 duels per game, proving that he is both reliable in defensive transition and a huge attacking threat.
With that being said, Dyche could now capitalise on the youngster’s strengths by utilising his skills in the heart of the team to give Everton their best opportunity to keep up their run of impeccable form at home, distancing themselves even further from the relegation zone.