Calvert-Lewin, McNeil, Coleman: Everton injury list and return dates as big Ndiaye update emerges

It’s fair to say that the return of David Moyes has so far been a huge success for Everton, who have experienced a huge upturn in both fortunes and performances on the pitch. When Moyes arrived back at Goodison Park on 11 January, he inherited a team in a perilous position. They were 16th in the table, one point ahead of safety, had the lowest XG in the division with 18.33 - and had won just three of their opening 19 games.

Fans were more than aware of the impact Moyes was capable of having on the team after a successful 11-year stint at the club between 2002 and 2013, but few could have anticipated just how quick he would make the desire impact with 13 points from his opening six games - a record only equalled by Arsenal in the top-flight during that period.

Moyes' team are now 13 points clear of the drop zone and already looking ahead to a new beginning at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. However, a manager of Moyes' experience admits he is not naive enough to assume the storm has passed entirely at this stage despite a performance of great resolve and determination in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

As it stands, heading into Moyes’ clash against his old club Manchester United, the Toffees have just 14 outfield players at their disposal after an avalanche of injury issues - including a notable recent one to this season’s star attacker Iliman Ndiaye. With that in mind, ahead of kick-off, we’ve got the lowdown on Everton’s current injury situation while providing an update on Ndiaye.

Everton injury round-up

Everton will welcome back at least one player for their home clash against the Red Devils. Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was sent-off after the Liverpool draw for an altercation with Curtis Jones in a dramatic end to the Merseyside Derby returns after serving a one-game suspension.

However, full-back Nathan Patterson remains out after missing a third successive game with a hamstring complaint. The next in line to return after the right-back could be striker Youssef Chermiti (thigh) and captain Seamus Coleman (calf), who are both timeline for a late February return, according to Premier Injuries.

Meanwhile, experienced striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (hamstring) and Armando Broja (ankle) are targeting returns for March. Winger Dwight McNeil (knee) remains out until April with a longer-term issue while Orel Mangala won’t play again until at least November after rupturing his ACL.

Iliman Ndiaye update emerges

Iliman Ndiaye limped off against Liverpool in the first half and faces a period of between three to 10 weeks on the sidelines, according to reports from Liverpool World.

The Senegalese international has been hugely inspirational in recent weeks and his absence leaves further pressure on the shoulders of rejuvenated striker Beto to continue his solid goal-scoring form.

On X, the account @physiocout, which provides football injury analysis and has assessed Ndiaye's issue. A post on the account said: "Iliman Ndiaye will be out for a few weeks after suffering an MCL injury. 'Ili’s got a medial ligament injury. It’s not looking great at the moment,' said Moyes.

"Scans will determine the length of the injury. Recovery Times: Grade 2: 3-6 weeks. Grade 3: 6-10 weeks We're unsure whether it's a moderate or high-grade MCL strain though."