Everton fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg has highlighted the importance of ensuring there’s a healthy balance between work and rest over the next fortnight for the non-international first-team players.
More than half of the Blues squad have linked up with their respective nations, although those who have remained at USM Finch Farm include Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka and Joel Robles - all players who featured in the 4-0 win against Hull City on Saturday.
Kluitenberg explained how for the backroom staff, the international break also provides a perfect opportunity to have a close-up look at the next generation of Everton players, youngsters who have catapulted the Club’s Under-23s team to the top of the league.