Everton boss Silva eager to get Iwobi on the pitch

by Nick Said

Friday Aug 23, 2019. 15:00

Alex Iwobi could be in line to make his Everton debut on Friday when the Merseyside club visit Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

The Nigeria international was a deadline-day capture from Arsenal but has yet to feature for Everton after returning late to pre-season after helping the Super Eagles to the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He was on the bench in last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Watford and, should he get on, could help Everton to the top of the Premier League table for the first time in 12 years.

Silva says everybody wants to see him play, but admits that his late start to pre-season means he is some way behind the rest of the squad.

“For sure he is looking forward for that, we all are looking forward also,” Silva told reporters.

“But he started really late, just now is his second week working with the team, he didn’t do pre-season and, if you can, you have to take care with the situation and give him enough time to get fitter.

“But, of course, if you need him during the games he is able to help us, not for 90 minutes, but he’s getting better and, if I decide [to play him], he’ll be ready to help and to give the high quality that he has, I don’t have any doubts about that.”