Seamus Coleman has returned to Everton’s training, but manager Sean Dyche acknowledges that the Ireland captain will likely be sidelined for some time.
Since suffering a season-ending injury against Leicester City on May 12, Coleman has not represented his club or country in sports. He has also missed the June, September, and October international windows in addition to the last 12 Premier League games for Everton.
Coleman is back with the main group, but Dyche has advised caution because Everton has been determined not to rush him back into action.
“Seamus is on the grass for the first time with us, but he’s only had one day,” Dyche remarked prior to today’s Merseyside derby. “But he needs time after a long period out.”
Matt Doherty, meanwhile, has encouraged Joe Hodge, a teammate at Wolves, to advance to the international level.
With the Ireland U21s, Hodge has already made a name for himself as captain during the current campaign, which has produced three victories from three games. Doherty believes his teammate will eventually be promoted to the senior squad, as he has been regarded as one of the players in line for that honor.
“From what I’ve seen so far, Hodgey has impressed me,” Doherty remarked.
Although he isn’t the biggest or most dominant player in the world, his work ethic more than makes up for it. When it comes to the ball, he’s tidy.
“He had a chance to be called up to the Ireland senior squad while he was playing last year, and I don’t think that will be too far off for him. When that occurs, he will be a valuable asset.
“He is aware of the opportunity before him. I would have been ecstatic to have that chance at his age. This season, he has a great opportunity ahead of him.
Hodge, 21, made six appearances in the Premier League the previous season, but he has only made one appearance for Wolves this year—in the League Cup.
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