Everton manager Rafael Benitez has been speaking to the media ahead of his side’s Premier League game with West Ham on Sunday.
The Spaniard confirmed that injured striking duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are “closer” to returning, but will not feature at Goodison Park. Calvert-Lewin has missed Everton’s last five games in all competitions with a thigh injury, while Richarlison has sat out the last four with a knee problem.
Full-backs Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne, however, are in contention after returning to training following hamstring injuries, while Benitez is hopeful defender Yerry Mina will be available after his late finish on international duty with Colombia.
“He has played a lot of games, a lot of minutes but hopefully he will be here and available to start the game. Everything is positive with the feedback but we will have to wait and see how he feels,” Benitez said.
The 61-year-old was also quizzed on his former club Newcastle’s recent takeover amid speculation they were interested in securing his services, and said: “I have a great relationship with the fans at Newcastle and with the city, so I don’t think it is fair to talk too much about it.
“I decided to stay here; I’m really happy, and I’m focussed. I wish (Newcastle) all the best.”
Everton signed five players in Benitez’s first transfer window this summer, and four of them were free transfers, with only Demarai Gray (£2 million from Leverkusen) commanding a fee.
With the lavish spending in the early years of owner Farhad Moshiri’s tenure seemingly reigned in, can director Marcel Brands still remain relevant in the Benitez era?
GO FURTHER
Marcel Brands: fighting to remain relevant at Everton in Benitez era
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