Rafa Benitez looks forward to Everton boasting a fully-fit squad, and doubts Jordan Pickford sustained a serious injury after needing treatment on Saturday, via the Liverpool Echo.
The goalkeeper made his return to action at home to Norwich City after missing the Blues’ last two games. Asmir Begovic guarded the Toffees net in the England international’s place against Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers. But would taste defeat against both sides.
A shoulder injury had sidelined Pickford, who kept a clean sheet on his return as Everton beat Norwich 2-0. He had recorded one shut out over the Goodison Park side’s unbeaten start to four goals conceded in four games.
Pickford concerns played down
Pickford sparked some concerns over another spell out on his Everton return, but Benitez has played down any injury fears. The 27-year-old required treatment in the second-half after stretching to make a save, but was ultimately able to play on.
“No, it was a little bit of discomfort for one ball where he had to stretch the arm,” Benitez said. “He’s fine, so I think it’s not a big issue.”
Pickford produced fine stops to deny Mathias Normann either side of half-time as Norwich sought an equaliser on Saturday. The Canaries midfielder tested the £100k-a-week ‘keeper from long-range, but Pickford withstood the pressure on his return to action.
Benitez looks forward to fully-fit squad
Benitez is also looking forward to Everton soon boasting a fully-fit squad with tough games to follow. The Toffees visit Manchester United on Saturday with a chance to move above the Red Devils before the international break.
They have struggled with injuries recently, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Seamus Coleman also nursing problems. Coleman sustained his hamstring injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.
“I think that, in the end, you have to play against everyone. But it’s the time and the moment you have to play against them,” Benitez added. “Unfortunately for us, we’ve lost some players and we have to manage with the players that we have.
“I’m really pleased with them, but still we have some important players missing. We will see where we are when everyone is available, and then we can compete against these top sides and see where we are.”
Ben Godfrey featured in place of Coleman against Norwich and was lacking fitness as Brandon Williams occasionally breezed past him. If Coleman is not available at Old Trafford, Benitez will hope the former Canaries centre-back’s – whom he admires – fitness improves.
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