Everton Boss Gives Team News Update

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Theo Walcott has returned to full training and will be available for Thursday’s evening’s clash with Southampton at Goodison Park (6pm).

Walcott has been unable to play for the Blues since the Premier League restart having undergone abdominal surgery but is in line to feature against his former club.

Mason Holgate will miss the game, however, after suffering a knock to his shin in Everton’s game at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night. Ancelotti expects the defender to return for Sunday's trip to Wolves, though.

Ancelotti - who was speaking at his pre-match press conference via video link at USM Finch Farm - added Alex Iwobi is fit, having been substituted at half-time at Spurs.

Midfielder Fabian Delph remains sidelined with a muscle injury, with the Everton manager confirming he is still undertaking individual treatment at USM Finch Farm.

Djibril Sidibe came on as a 77th-minute substitute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after recovering from a foot injury but Ancelotti says the Frenchman may not yet be ready to play a full Premier League match.

"He is not 100 per cent because didn’t train properly in the last 15 days," the Italian said.

"I don’t know if he can do 90 minutes at the top of his intensity."

 

Thursday’s meeting with Southampton will represent Everton’s third behind-closed-doors home contest.

Ancelotti has been pleased with his side’s response to playing in an empty Goodison.

Until supporters return, however, the Italian reckons football will be short on "emotion and passion".

“We would like to play at home with our fans,” added Ancelotti.

“We accept this because it was important to restart the Premier League.

“But there is no one who wants to watch games without supporters.

“They are a really important part of this sport.

“Without supporters it is a different game

“You can talk more clearly with your players and make adjustments during the game – those things are more difficult with a full stadium.

“But football is about emotion and passion and fans have to be there.

“There is no doubt about this and I hope soon they can reopen stadiums soon.”