Former Nottingham Forest star James Garner could return to face his old side after a lengthy injury when they host Everton this weekend.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder enjoyed successive loan spells at the City Ground, helping the Reds win promotion via the Championship play-offs last season. He was heavily linked with a permanent move to the club in the summer, but instead joined the Toffees for a reported £9million with add-ons.
The transfer has not gone to plan, however. He has been sidelined with a back injury since November, limiting him to just six Premier League appearances this term.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest stakes could not be higher against Everton
SEE ALSO: Sean Dyche makes Doucoure future claim amid Forest link
Garner has recovered from the blow and has been gradually building his fitness back up behind the scenes over the last few weeks. Everton manager Sean Dyche expects him to play an U21s games against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, which may lead to him featuring against Forest on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).
"Jimmy is getting fitter and stronger, there's another game this week. Probably get him in that. Then after three months out he should be fit. (Nathan) Patterson is just a bit behind that so he’ll just need a bit more (time),” he told the Liverpool Echo in his pre-match press conference.
Having only replaced Frank Lampard in the Goodison Park hotseat a month Dyche has only worked with Garner for a short time. When asked what he thought of the player, he said: "He certainly strikes the ball well, he's pretty new to the Premier League after having a strong season with Forest."
Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains sidelined with an injury. Dyche says there is currently no timeline for his return to action, meaning he could miss the game against Forest this weekend.
Only four points separate the two teams in the standings, with Everton sitting third from bottom. They have won two of their four games under Dyche, while Forest are winless in their last three.
Would you like to see Garner return to the City Ground this weekend? Comment below!
READ NEXT:
- Ally McCoist issues Nottingham Forest relegation verdict
- Nottingham Forest goalkeeper defended following howler
- Forest ace reveals secret contract detail as stance set out
- Forest face competition from Premier League duo for £7m defender
- FIFA Best winner Mary Earps discusses the moment she wanted to become a goalkeeper
