Ronald Koeman hopes James McCarthy will be available for selection as Everton prepare for a busy December.
The midfielder was withdrawn from training sessions in the build up to Sunday’s meeting with Southampton due to a hamstring concern and subsequently missed out at St Mary’s.
But, with six league games over the next month, starting with the visit of Manchester United to Goodison on Sunday, Koeman is optimistic of having the Republic of Ireland international back in his squad.
“McCarthy stopped training after the first session [last] week,” he said. “He was tired and had a little problem in his hamstring again.