Everton went into the international break unbeaten, fifth in the Premier League and with David Moyes, as ever, refusing to get carried away.
Three weeks without a league game might ordinarily feel like an unwelcome interruption when things are going well. For this Everton squad, though, the timing was okay, even if three weeks is a bit of a stretch.
Moyes has been operating with the smallest senior groups in the league and has so far been relatively fortunate with injuries. This break gives him something he hasn’t had much of since the season began: time.
A useful three weeks at Finch Farm
Those not away on international duty were given a few days off before returning to Finch Farm, with the club’s latest training images showing a relaxed-looking group back at work.
More importantly, Christian Norgaard is back in first-team training as he works towards his Everton debut. Merlin Rohl’s recovery from his minor injury is also progressing, with Moyes having said before the break that he hoped to have the midfielder available when Premier League football resumes.
The manager does have more players away than originally expected. Harrison Armstrong’s excellent break with England Under-20s earned him a promotion into Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad, joining Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George.
Every Everton player’s involvement can be followed in our international duty tracker.
For those who have remained on Merseyside, a behind-closed-doors friendly against Blackburn Rovers should provide valuable match minutes before the trip to Hull City.
Everton’s unbeaten start has naturally created cautious optimism, but Moyes knows how quickly a small squad can be stretched. A few days off, some uninterrupted work at Finch Farm and the prospect of returning players might therefore be exactly what Everton needed.
Sometimes an international break isn’t so bad after all.
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