Donny van de Beek could return to action for Everton on Thursday after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Dutch midfielder left Manchester United for Everton on loan for the rest of the season in January in a bid to start playing regular football again but things haven't gone to plan. Van de Beek managed just six Premier League appearances for the Toffees before he suffered a thigh injury.
The 25-year-old did make his comeback as an unused substitute on April 20 after missing four matches but suffered a relapse of his injury which has kept him out of action since, missing a further five league games. However, he is now back in contention to play, according to manager Frank Lampard.
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Ahead of a crucial match against Crystal Palace in Everton's bid for survival on Thursday, Lampard revealed that Van de Beek is in the squad for the match after his long layoff.
"Ben [Godfrey] maybe in the squad and that’s just a testament to him striving to get fit," the Everton boss said. "But if he’s in the squad I’ll make a decision on whether he’s involved at all. The others [Mina and Delph] are out and Keane is fully fit to start.”
When asked about Van de Beek, he added: “Yeah, he’s in the squad.”
Everton are still battling for their lives at the bottom of the table after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the weekend saw them squander the chance to go five points clear of the drop. Everton are currently two points ahead of Burnley in 18th spot and a point ahead of Leeds, though the Yorkshire side have played a game more than their two relegation rivals.
The Merseyside outfit's final fixture will come at Arsenal on Sunday after which Van de Beek will return to Old Trafford to reunite with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.
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