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Rafa Benitez faces new Fabian Delph dilemma as Everton injury comebacks considered

We've taken a look at the decisions facing Rafa Benitez in terms of his Everton starting 11 after the coming international break

Everton made sure they didn't head into the international break on four consecutive defeats with a draw against Spurs on Sunday afternoon.


A trio of losses against West Ham, Watford and Wolves had left the mood around Goodison Park at a low point when Antonio Conte brought his new side to Merseyside this weekend.


However, Rafa Benitez's squad rallied and put in a much-improved performance against Tottenham - despite not being able to get what would have been a valuable win.


Another international break is now upon us, with Everton returning to action with a trip to face Man City on November 21st.

That match is still a long time in the future, but we've had a look at the decisions the Blues manager will be facing in terms of his starting 11 when they head to the Etihad later this month.

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Who could keep their place?

After what was a much-improved performance against Spurs at the weekend, a lot of players can realistically make a claim for keeping their place in the side after the international break.


Jordan Pickford has been a mainstay in goal whenever fit for the Blues in the Premier League this season and he'll keep that place after a very quiet afternoon at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The defence in front of him put in a much-improved display as well and all four could keep their spots in the starting 11 if there are no returns from injury.

Further ahead in the midfield there could be a decision to make if, again, there is a return potentially from injury to consider for Rafa Benitez.


Fabian Delph has been his side's best player for two matches now and could easily make a claim to keep his position, but Allan has also had a really strong beginning to the campaign.

Further forward the likes of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray are almost guaranteed their positions in the line-up, as is Richarlison up front.

Anthony Gordon was again strong against Spurs, but he's another that could lose his spot if an injury return happens a little further back in the pitch.


Who could drop out?

Michael Keane could potentially see his place in the line-up under threat if there is to be a return at centre-back.


The defender was very strong against Spurs at the weekend, but has not enjoying a consistently solid start to the campaign.

With Ben Godfrey looking unlikely to be the man dropped to the bench, it could be Keane who would be susceptible to losing his place in the line-up.

Despite Delph's strong recent performances too, having been surely one of the first names on the teamsheet against Spurs, he could drop out of the side again if a key midfielder was to return to fitness.


The 31-year-old is, of course, still recovering from his own raft of fitness issues - and so managing his time in the side could be for the best in the long run.

If he does keep his place in the side though, Gordon could be the man who makes way.

Again, the winger was very strong against Spurs especially with his work off the ball - but the potential of a key return in midfield means that one player would have to make way.


Regardless, it seems there might be a big decision for Benitez to make on that front.

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Who could come in?

This will all depend on the potential returns from injury for two key players.


Yerry Mina has not played for his club since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the beginning of October, picking up a problem shortly after the subsequent international break.

The centre-back has not travelled with his country for their upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Paraguay, giving him the opportunity to work on his rehabilitation completely from Finch Farm over the next two weeks.

Benitez has been coy over the return of the Colombia international, but Evertonians will be hoping to see him sooner rather than later.

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The same could also apply to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who also has been out-of-action since that draw at Old Trafford at the start of last month.

It was initially feared that the midfielder could be out of an extended amount of time, but subsequent updates have suggested his road to recovery could be shorter than expected.

There will likely be further news on Doucoure over the coming international break as he continues his road to full fitness again.

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