Everton could make three changes for Man City after new injury problem and Andre Gomes return

Andre Gomes could be in line for his first start under Sean Dyche as the Blues boss attempts to address injuries within the heart of his midfield.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to miss the match with Manchester City with the hamstring issue that has kept him out of recent matches, while Idrissa Gueye was withdrawn after less than half an hour in the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur due to injury. He is a doubt after Dyche said the initial view on his issue was that it was “not promising” and that he would be assessed over the following days.

That leaves just Amadou Onana and James Garner of Dyche’s trusted central midfield options. Should he wish to retain the three man middle he typically turns to, that could create an opportunity for Gomes.

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Gomes impressed when he was brought on for Gueye at Spurs, scoring a goal and almost helping Everton secure a comeback in north London. Dyche admitted the 30-year-old was needed earlier than he had hoped - it was his first time in the senior matchday squad since the first game of the season after months of injury problems. But, Dyche acknowledged, “needs must” and there may now be a necessity for Gomes to make his first competitive start for Everton since he was pulled off at half-time against Crystal Palace before the second half comeback that saved Everton from relegation under Frank Lampard.

Dyche does have alternative options. He could move Jack Harrison into a central role behind the striker, as he did against Newcastle United earlier this month. That would provide the opportunity for Arnaut Danjuma,