What The Papers Say - 13 December

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Quotes from Sean Dyche feature in the media ahead of Saturday's trip to the capital to face Arsenal.

Liverpool World focuses on fitness updates, with Dyche confirming the return of Michael Keane, who missed the 4-0 win over Wolves with a minor knee injury.

He said: "Keano has come through his. He was touch and go for the last game. We felt it was probable he didn’t get involved in that but has been working hard."

Dyche also confirmed that Youssef Chermiti, Seamus Coleman, Jake O’Brien, Armando Broja and Nathan Patterson all featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week.

 

The manager also discussed the development of Harrison Armstrong, after he contributed with a hat-trick of both goals and assists in the Under-18s 7-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup.

Quoted by the Liverpool ECHO, Dyche believes that Armstrong is developing "the edge" to be a Premier League footballer.

He said: "You can’t be a Premier League player and not have it, simple as that. Some players have it more clearly, even though their consistency goes in and out, between when they really have got it or they haven’t got it while they some are searching to find it because they’re too young and they don’t know.

"There’s a number of players here who have got it and someone like Harrison is still forming it, he’s still learning about it, and understanding it. That’s something that we guide him with and we let them naturally find their way."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror speculates that the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park could be scheduled for Tuesday 11 February.

However, that date for the fixture, which was originally scheduled for last Saturday but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, would require UEFA approval as it coincides with the first Champions League Knockout phase play-off matchday.