Everton get injury boost ahead of Merseyside derby

Everton appear to have been handed an injury boost ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Liverpool will take on the Toffees in Saturday's early Premier League kick off following the international break, with both sides more than eager to reignite their seasons with a derby win.

The Reds are seeking a first league victory since the disappointment of losing their unbeaten status in 2023/24 with the highly contentious 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, while Everton have struggled for form in the early part of the campaign.

Despite a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth before the hiatus, Sean Dyche's side sit 16th in the table, with just two wins from eight.

The Toffees record at Anfield is also particularly poor, with the blue half of Merseyside only experiencing victory on three occasions at their rivals' home in Premier League history.

READ MORE: Liverpool's record against Everton at Anfield

Dyche should, however, have a first-choice midfield at his disposal with the news that Idrissa Gueye is nearing full fitness.

The 34-year-old is one of his manager's most trusted performers, starting seven of eight games this season as part of a highly physical engine room. However, a heel injury suffered in the warm-up forced the midfielder to miss the win over Bournemouth.

Gueye was, however, included in Senegal's squad for the latest international fixtures and was named on the bench for Monday's friendly against Cameroon, which his side won 1-0.

The former Paris Saint-Germain man even came off the bench in the 78th minute, replacing Nampalys Mendy, indicating that he could well be ready to feature in the Premier League clash this weekend.

READ MORE: How Liverpool should line up in midfield to combat Everton's physical challenege

Dyche could have something close to a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with few other injury concerns – Dele Alli and Andre Gomes remain the only long-term absentees.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are waiting on a scan to assess the damage to Andy Robertson's shoulder after he was subbed off in Scotland's defeat to Spain.

The 29-year-old looks to have suffered a dislocated shoulder and his recovery time could range from a few weeks to several months.

Cody Gakpo, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are Liverpool's other known doubts for the weekend.