Everton training plans hampered by Storm Doris

Everton's training plans hampered by Storm Doris

Everton were forced to train indoors on Thursday ahead of Saturday's meeting with Sunderland as Storm Doris battered Britain.

Ronaldo Koeman's side returned from their winter training camp in Dubai earlier this week and were forced to change their preparations due to the inclement weather.

"We stayed inside because it wasn't possible to train outside," said Koeman. "We did some recovery work. We had a really tough session yesterday. We did some football exercises indoors. We will go out tomorrow as normal.

"In Dubai we had a sandstorm. We had good temperature out there. We did some intensive sessions out there. It was a really a training camp, not a holiday, and had a good week with some new players in, and some young players.

"I think it was a good choice. If you win on Saturday it is, but if we don't then people will ask 'why did you go to Dubai?' It's my responsibility."

Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League table but Koeman does not expect an easy game against former Everton boss David Moyes' side.

"It's always difficult. They fight against relegation. They also had a break," Koeman added.

"In the last couple of days I watched the Sunderland-Southampton game. It was 4-0 to Southampton but in the first 45 minutes Sunderland were a better team.

"We need to prepare ourselves. There is no easy game. If you take it too easy, are sloppy, then they will punish you for that. We are full of confidence but have to show it on the pitch."

Romelu Lukaku missed the five-day training camp in Dubai but is fit again along with James McCarthy (hamstring) and Kevin Mirallas (groin).

"Romelu had a little calf problem but has been back in training for the last three days," Koeman added. "James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas have also trained with the group this week."

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