£22 million The Everton player has not been utilized in the Premier League this year, but he is back in training.

Sean Dyche addressed the media ahead of Everton’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

With Everton aiming to secure their first victory of 2024 and close the gap with

Crystal Palace, who currently hold a five-point advantage, the focus has shifted to the uncertain situation

surrounding the Eagles’ manager, Roy Hodgson.

Chief football reporter for talkSPORT, Alex Crook, expressed concern over the

situation, stating that it would be unfavorable for Hodgson to address the media when it’s widely known that

his tenure at Palace is nearing its end.

On the Everton front, there’s positive news with Abdoulaye Doucouré set to return after being sidelined with a hamstring issue. Additionally, Seamus Coleman and Ben Godfrey are fit for the upcoming fixture.

Furthermore, Dyche provided an update on Andre Gomes, confirming that the

midfielder is back on the training ground after dealing with a calf problem for nearly a month.

However, Dyche emphasized the need for caution given Gomes’ history of calf injuries.

Gomes, who joined Everton in 2019 for a reported fee of £22 million, has faced challenges

with injuries and form. There’s speculation about his future at the club, with the possibility of a

departure during the summer transfer window looming.

Although Gomes featured in Everton’s FA Cup victory against Crystal Palace in mid-January,

he hasn’t played in the Premier League since December’s 3-0 defeat to Wolves.

Despite this, Dyche commended Gomes’ performance in certain matches this season,

particularly highlighting his adaptability and passing abilities during Everton’s away fixture against Tottenham.

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