Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has an ‘ongoing knee problem’ that is being ‘managed’ by the club’s medical team, injury expert Ben Dinnery has told GiveMeSport.
The 21-year-old has been one of the few positives for the Toffees in what has been a hugely underwhelming season for them so far, and new manager Sean Dyche will surely be eager to have him available for selection.
Everton injury news – Amadou Onana
Onana had to be substituted late on in Everton’s potentially pivotal 1-0 victory over relegation-rivals Leeds United last time out, but Dyche claimed it was ‘manageable’ in his post-match interview.
“He’s had a niggly knee injury. They’ll get on top of that tomorrow and Monday,” said the English tactician. “I think it’s manageable as his fitness improves and game understanding improves.
“He had two more-than-able people with him today because I thought Douc (Abdoulaye Doucoure) and Gana (Idrissa Gana Gueye) were outstanding today.”
Everton host an out-of-form Aston Villa side over the weekend as they look to put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone, and Onana faces a race against time to prove his fitness for that clash.
What has Dinnery said about Onana?
When asked by GMS about Onana’s condition, Dinnery said: “That's a bit of a niggling sort of ongoing knee problem that's being managed.
“Let's not forget, he doesn't look it, but he's still a young lad who's just coming into the Premier League. And he's still adapting to the intensity of that, and his fitness is still improving.
“So, all of these things taken into consideration, there's going to be that slow element of evolving into a player who can tolerate the demands because this will be unlike anything that he's ever played in before.”
How well has Onana played this season?
Everton signed Onana from Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille in the summer, splashing out £33 million to secure his services on a five-year deal worth £100,000-per-week.
The Belgium international has so far proved to be worth every penny despite only registering one goal and one assist in 23 appearances across all competitions.
As per FBref, the 6 foot 4 ace has ranked in the 90th percentile for tackles, and the 89th for aerial duels won and non-penalty expected goals amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Onana could be crucial to Everton’s hope of retaining their Premier League status this season, and Dyche will presumably be eager for the box-to-box star to be fully fit as soon as possible.