Everton ramped up their preparations for the return of the Premier League at Finch Farm and beyond this week.
The senior squad took part in a training exercise with Manchester United at the club's Carrington training complex on Wednesday, drawing 1-1. That followed work at Finch Farm in the days before.
With the crucial game with Wolverhampton Wanderers fast approaching there were positive signs from this week, with several players making it onto the training pitches as they continue their recoveries from injury. One of the club's World Cup stars was also reunited with the squad - while the Under-21s' trip to Lincoln provided opportunities for other youngsters to get a taste of life with the first team.
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Amadou Onana returns from Qatar
Amadou Onana was one of four Everton players to head out to Qatar to play in the World Cup. The midfielder received impressive reviews even as his Belgium side crashed out of the competition at the group stage, meaning he was the only one of his Blues teammates not to make it to the knockout stages. As a result he was back on Merseyside this week to link up with his club colleagues.
Ben Godfrey back training with the first team
Ben Godfrey has been out of action since the opening minutes of the first game of the season, when he fractured his fibula against Chelsea. His recovery is reaching its final stages and he has played several games for the U21s, including in their Papa John's Trophy win over Mansfield Town at Goodison Park last month. Godfrey was not involved as the club's academy starlets were knocked out of that tournament at Lincoln City on Tuesday and was instead out on the training pitch and involved in first team drills this week, signalling he is closing in on a return.
Yerry Mina and Tom Davies also involved in drills
Yerry Mina and Tom Davies both needed scans after suffering injuries on the club's trip to Australia last month. Neither injury was as severe as first feared - with club officials particularly concerned for Davies after his knock while training in Sydney. Both were given recovery timescales of three to four weeks and both appear to making good progress having joined their teammates in first team sessions this week.
Attackers take on Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard
Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil were among those targeted for focused work with Ashley Cole as Everton work on their attacking threat ahead of Wolves. Pictures from training show Cole challenging both with body pads as Lampard looks on and, at times, gets involved in the drills.
A new youngster gets a chance
Promising defender Matthew Mallon was involved in training with the first team this week. The teenager penned a two year deal with the club in the summer after initially planning to join Blackburn Rovers after it looked like he would not get the chance to continue his stint with the Blues - one that started when he was just four. This week he got the chance to get involved with first team activities.
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