'Bit Worrying' - Sky reporter reacts to what Dyche has said on Everton ace

Vinnie O’Connor says news that James Garner is facing a spell on the sidelines is “a bit worrying” for Everton as he reported the injury latest.

The journalist provided the latest for Sky Sports News live from Finch Farm on Thursday [31 October, 3:09pm] after attending Sean Dyche’s pre-Southampton press conference.

Garner has featured four times for the Blues this season since returning from injury, the latest in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle United at Goodison Park, but now faces another period away from the side after his latest setback.

O’Connor said: “James Garner is a bit worrying. He’s going to be out for weeks, as confirmed by Dyche, with a back problem.

“He’ll be out until after the international break, and it’ll probably be weeks and weeks after that until he’s back [playing].”

James Garner will be a big loss for Everton

Dyche cannot afford to let Garner’s injury distract his side from the task at hand, with a crucial trip to Southampton up next in the Premier League.

The Blues are well-stocked in central midfield with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idriss Gueye, Tim Iroegbunam and Orel Mangala vying for a first team berth at Goodison Park.

However, Garner is proving to become unreliable in terms of fitness for Everton, with two separate issues requiring a prolonged period on the sidelines, but still, his versatility to play at full-back and central midfield will be greatly missed.

Ashley Young has featured prominently at right-back for the Toffees, against the supporters’ will, but was immediately displaced from the starting lineup once Garner returned to the side.

Young will likely keep his place in the starting lineup following the injury, and Garner will surely be facing an uncertain future at Goodison Park as his fitness issues start to raise alarm bells.

However, Southampton are winless after nine matches in the Premier League, whereas Everton have enjoyed a strong turnaround in form and sit five points clear of the relegation zone after a five-match unbeaten run.

Dyche will still need to be wary of Southampton. After Crystal Palace ended their winless streak with a 1-0 win against Tottenham last weekend, the boss must ensure his side do not fall into the same trap at St Mary’s in the face of putting daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin will have to pay an extra £1.6m-year at the Blues after the latest government news.

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