James Garner could give David Moyes another midfield option when Everton face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium today.
Moyes made only two changes for Wednesday night’s 4-0 Carabao Cup victory at Preston North End, with Garner handed his first start since undergoing hernia surgery during the summer.
His return comes at a useful time, although Moyes must also decide how much football the midfielder is ready for at this stage of his recovery.
Garner still building fitness
Garner made his comeback as a substitute during Everton’s 2-0 opening-day victory over Crystal Palace before stepping up his workload at Deepdale.
He is still building towards full fitness after a disrupted summer, making another 90 minutes just three days later far from certain.
Everton’s other midfield options are also affected by fitness issues.
Tim Iroegbunam is sidelined with an adductor problem, Christian Nørgaard is working his way back, and Hayden Hackney missed the Preston victory after rolling his ankle.
Moyes described Hackney as “touch and go” for Bournemouth when he spoke ahead of the game.
If Hackney is passed fit, Moyes could restore the midfield that started against Palace. If not, Garner provides an experienced alternative, either from the start or later in the game.
There appear to be fewer questions further forward.
Thierno Barry followed his goal against Palace with a hat-trick at Preston and Everton arrive on the south coast with two wins and two clean sheets behind them.
Garner’s recovery gives Moyes another option. How soon he wants to use it again is the decision.
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