Everton manager David Moyes has indicated that Jack Grealish will likely be handed his first start since rejoining the club on loan, with the winger poised to feature in Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Grealish, who returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium for a second loan spell after his impressive substitute cameo in last weekend's meeting with Manchester United, has been steadily working his way back to full fitness following the foot injury that curtailed his previous stint at Everton in January. That earlier loan spell had already endeared him to the club's supporters before injury forced an early end to his season on Merseyside.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the fixture, Moyes expressed confidence in the England international's readiness to take on a more prominent role. "I think Jack is ready to play," Moyes said. "He's probably a boy who needs a football more than he needs the training sometimes. Game time helps Jack. But that's still him building up to get to his best. He's had a good week's training and beginning to look ready to start."
The Everton boss also outlined his hopes for what Grealish can bring to the side this time around, drawing comparisons to the winger's early form during his first loan period. "Incredibly exciting if he gives us what he gave us at the start of last season," Moyes remarked. "If we get that level from him then we'll be thrilled."
While Grealish's return offers a boost, Everton continue to be without another summer signing, Christian Norgaard, who remains sidelined through injury. The Danish midfielder is not expected to be available again until after the international break, a timeline that has proven longer than initially anticipated. "I don't think we expected it to be as long as this," Moyes admitted. "He's hugely important for us, someone who we're looking forward to gaining his experience, his nous and getting to know him, and at the moment we've not had him on the grass, so that's been the disappointing thing."
Despite the absence of Norgaard, Everton head into the weekend fixture unbeaten in the Premier League this term. Moyes' side opened the campaign with a victory over Crystal Palace before following up with draws against Bournemouth and Manchester United, giving the Toffees a solid foundation as they look to continue their positive start to the season.
Their upcoming opponents, Tottenham, arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium in far less encouraging form. Roberto De Zerbi's side remain without a win in the league this season and have yet to find the net in any of their opening fixtures. Spurs did manage to collect their first point of the campaign last weekend, holding Nottingham Forest to a goalless draw, but that result followed earlier defeats to both Brentford and Newcastle United, leaving them searching for answers going forward.
Amid the difficult run of results, Tottenham did receive some positive news off the pitch this week, as young midfielder Lucas Bergvall agreed a new contract with the club. The Swedish international had been the subject of transfer speculation over the summer months, but his fresh deal puts an end to any uncertainty regarding his future at the club as he continues to develop under De Zerbi.
With Everton buoyed by their unbeaten start and the possible return of a fan favourite to the starting lineup, and Tottenham desperate to kickstart their season, Saturday's meeting on Merseyside promises to be a significant test for both managers.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.