Everton vs Watford: We need Iwobi at his best physical condition, says Silva

By Akeem Lawal

EVERTON manager, Marco Silva says Nigeria international must be in his best physical condition as he makes decision whether to include the new in his Everton squad to face Watford on Saturday at Goodison Park.

The Super Eagles forward was a deadline-day signing from Arsenal for a fee believed to be around £35million but was not included in the 18 for last weekend's goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Moise Kean were given debuts as substitutes, and the former could make his first start this weekend. Andre Gomes is a doubt after limping off with an ankle injury at Selhurst Park and Morgan Schneiderlin serves a one-match ban following his red card.

Speaking of Iwobi on Friday ahead of today’s clash, Silva said, "It's a matter of us (needing) to put him in his best physical condition possible. Of course we're trying to do it as fast as possible.

"It was a difficult week for him, which is normal. It was difficult the week before for JP Gbamin also. Just one week working with the team, but it is what it is.

"He's working really hard and well, like all the others, and it is up to me to decide whether or not he will be in the squad list for tomorrow," Silva said.

Last weekend's clean sheet was Everton's ninth in their last 12 Premier League games and Silva is hoping they can make improvements at the other end as they look to better last season's eighth-place finish.

The likes of Iwobi and former Juventus youngster Kean have been brought in to that end, and Silva said: "Of course if you keep a clean sheet you are closer to win a football match, now we have to do the opposite in the other box: to be more clinical, to convert the chances we keep creating."