Marco Silva says Everton will be boosted by the return of dynamic forward Richarlison for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal as he insisted his players “know the level he expects” when they travel to the Emirates Stadium.
Silva also revealed Yerry Mina “is getting better every day” as he strives to achieve match fitness, while skipper Phil Jagielka is set begin to begin full training next week.
Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes are also closing in on returns as they continue their recoveries from foot and hamstring injuries respectively.
Summer signing Richarlison is set to take his place in the Blues’ line-up in North London on Sunday, however, with the Brazilian having served a three-game ban for a red card in the Everton’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on August 25.
The 21-year-old got his Everton career off to a blistering start before the game on the south coast, hitting three goals in his first two games.
His devastating displays saw him handed a maiden call-up to the Brazil national team and he continued his goalscoring form for the five-time world champions – scoring a brace on his full debut as the Selecao beat El Salvador 5-0 in Washington.
Silva says Everton will be buoyed by his return and insists his players have been working tirelessly on the training pitch as they aim to bounce back from last week’s defeat against West Ham United.
“Richarlison is an important player for us,” he said. “He started the season well, scoring important goals and helping the team.
“He is able to play now and it is good news for us.
"The players know what we did in the wrong way [against West Ham] and we have analysed the game during the week. They know what I expect from them in the next game.
“We have been working hard, like we have since the first day. We must learn from our mistakes and but also give confidence to our players to play, and to look forward.”
With a number of his charges nearing comebacks to full training, Silva admits he is relishing the prospect of having a wide pool of players available for selection.
The Portuguese has yet to be able to call on Gomes and Mina, while several key players have suffered injury setbacks already this season.
“Like all coaches, I want all of the players in good condition,” he said. “It means I will have more headaches to decide my team and more competition on the training ground every day.
“Of course, we will then be stronger. It looks better now [the injury situation]. We must work with them and help them get in a good physical condition.”
Silva expects a stern test against an Arsenal side that have won their past three Premier League games.
But he is confident his players have the quality and mentality to achieve a positive result against Unai Emery’s men.
“We will play against a strong side, and we have to be at our best level to compete,” he said. “We want to prepare our team to compete against all our opponents.
“It will be tough, for sure, but what I want is to see our players compete in that level, play well and achieve a good result.”
Everton FC