Rafa Benitez has revealed Alex Iwobi is a doubt to face Manchester United on Saturday and explained how he is trying to improve the Everton winger, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees travel to Old Trafford for the lunchtime kick-off with a chance to overtake the Red Devils. A win over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side would also put Everton atop the Premier League table before Chelsea host Southampton.
Iwobi has started Everton’s last two top-flight fixtures against Aston Villa and Norwich after a slow start to his season. The Nigerian opened the action at Leeds after assisting off the bench at home to Southampton. But only played 22-minutes against Brighton and Burnley.
Benitez believes Everton supporters appreciate the effort Iwobi has put into his outings so far. But he could be without Marco Silva’s £34m signing against Manchester United after the 25-year-old developed an injury concern.
“I will say that he has a little problem, I don’t know if he will be available for tomorrow,” Benitez said.
“I think the fans appreciate that he’s giving everything on the pitch. We are working with him specifically on movement, I think he’s improving, and we can still improve him.”
Benitez will have Jean-Philippe Gbamin available at Manchester United after the midfielder returned to Everton training after a quadriceps injury. But is still without Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quad), Seamus Coleman (hamstring), Richarlison (knee) and Andre Gomes (calf).
Should Benitez start Iwobi vs Man Utd if Everton winger overcomes injury?
Iwobi showed some promise when Benitez fielded the forward on Everton’s left-flank at Aston Villa. But the 38-cap international’s influence on proceedings waned after moving centrally in the closing stages.
His direct runs also troubled Norwich last time out, but had a limited overall impact and his decision-making was inconsistent. If Iwobi overcomes his injury to face Manchester United, Benitez will hope he offers Everton a more consistent presence in the final-third.
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