Everton boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that Fabian Delph "still needs time" to fully recover from dislocating his shoulder before he can return to training.
The 31-year-old had impressed Benitez in the opening weeks of the season but was stopped in his tracks when he damaged his shoulder in a session in September.
Delph has missed the last seven league and cup matches and though Benitez says the midfielder is improving, he was unable to put an exact timescale on his return.
"I was talking to him 10 minutes ago and asking him if he is getting better but the bone has to heal and he needs some time," said Toffees boss.
"He's getting better, stronger and is quite positive and waiting for the green light to start training with the team."
Benitez also praised the Everton squad for a start to the season which sees them begin the weekend in fifth position. He said:
“To be fair, at the beginning when you come to a new club and need to get to know the players, it could be difficult.
"But the attitude of the players, their commitment was really good from day one.
"They are keen to do what we want. Everything was quite good.
"There were some doubts after the friendly with Manchester United but the result was not quite what happened on the pitch. Little by little it was growing. I am not surprised because I was watching every day and liking what I was watching."
Everton are set to face West Ham on Sunday, as the Premier League action resumed from international break.
Source -
Liverpool ECHO
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