Rafa Benitez has confirmed Everton will still be missing “some players” for Saturday’s Premier League game at Leeds United as they continue to self-isolate in line with COVID-19 protocols.

The Blues boss revealed Moise Kean is the only player who missed last weekend’s win over Southampton who will be available for the trip to Elland Road – and that Everton have signed experienced goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as back-up following a quadriceps injury to young stopper Harry Tyrer.

“Still, we have some issues, but Moise Kean is coming back at the moment,” he said.  

“We have an injury to Tyrer, the young keeper, so we have signed Andy Lonergan as back-up. 

“He can give us some experience, because we needed to sort out this problem just in case.”

Benitez says Everton are primed for a demanding physical test against a Leeds side renowned for their sky-high fitness levels under boss Marcelo Bielsa.

The Everton manager is confident the Blues can stand up to the challenge, however, as he paid tribute to the application his players have shown each day in training since his appointment.

"Bielsa's teams are very intense, they run a lot," added Benitez.

"We have to manage that – match their intensity – and, at the same time, we have to play well. 

"We are happy with where we are.

"I am really pleased with the attitude of the players and how they are working hard every day."