Everton ending the international break without a permanent successor to Ronald Koeman merely paints a more daunting picture for any prospective new manager, should the club hierarchy continue their search and appoint one in the near future.
Echoing the challenge already facing caretaker manager David Unsworth, upcoming fixture congestion means there is a need for results and tangible improvement in several areas but little time to implement progress or ideas outside of the actual matches. Everton close out this month with four games in 12 days. Eight matches in 29 days is the schedule for an absurdly packed December.