Everton will be returning to action on the weekend with their trip to Ipswich Town with a number of players missing.

Just as Sean Dyche's side were finding their feet in the 2024/25 campaign, the Toffees find themselves nursing a number of injury issues.

Results in their last three games has seen Everton climb off the foot of the table and out of the relegation zone.

But there is no time to get ahead of themselves with only two points separating the Blues and Crystal Palace who sit in 18th spot of the table.

So a defeat on the weekend could well see Dyche's side find themselves back in the bottom three with Paul Merson warning Everton of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

Although there are a number of injury issues sidelining some of Dyche's players, there is also progress being made behind the scenes.

The right-back has featured three times for Everton's U21s with his last outing providing a full 90 minutes of action.

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Speaking ahead of the game on Saturday, Dyche has confirmed Patterson will not be making a return to the side but he is making solid progress with his rehab.

"Well he's just sort of doing his longer term plan to get back," said Dyche.

"He's looking fitter and sharper every time. Not quite there yet but he's training all the time and so far he's coming through it clean which is really important."

Everton have had real issues at right-back Along with the injury issues experience by centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Dyche has had some major problems in defence.

And the right-back position has been a considerable issue with injuries to the likes of Patterson and Seamus Coleman.

Ahead of the game on the weekend, Dyche has hinted Coleman will be available with the Irishman having trained with the group.

"Seamus is back in the group and he's had more or less the full week [training]," Dyche said.

Hopefully, it looks as if Everton's injury issues at right-back could be coming to an end but Patterson does not look as if he will be rushed back to action.

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