Merlin Rohl has targeted a return from injury ahead of Everton's trip to Hull City next month. The German midfielder, who started the season as an emergency right-back, confirmed his recovery is progressing well and he expects to be back in training soon.
Rohl said he was enjoying being back on the grass at Finch Farm. "Very nice, it's going very well, I was enjoying it today outside," he said. "I think one and a half weeks more." His return would come after the international break, with Everton's next match away to Hull City on 11 October.
Rohl started Everton's first four matches of the campaign at right-back. That run included three Premier League starts and a Carabao Cup appearance against Preston North End. He has not featured since the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on 6 September, after which he suffered an injury. In his absence, Everton have maintained an unbeaten start to the league season, sitting seventh with nine points from five games. Their last outing was a 1-0 home win over Ipswich Town on 19 September.
Signed last summer initially on loan, Rohl's move was made permanent after Everton secured their Premier League status. Primarily a midfielder and a German Under-21 international, his versatility saw him deployed as a winger and, this season, as a full-back. Manager David Moyes has previously valued his adaptability as a useful squad asset. Rohl has embraced the defensive challenge, studying the role closely. He said he watches his own games back and analyses other right-backs to improve, adding he sees no reason why he cannot play there long-term.
Rohl's path back into the side is not guaranteed. After his injury, the club brought in Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has made an impressive start in the right-back position. Whether Rohl is ready to start against Hull City remains uncertain, but his impending return provides Moyes with another option. The squad's current depth, including players like Rohl, can be seen on our squad page. His comeback would bolster a defence that has conceded only three league goals this term, the joint-best record in the division alongside Manchester City.
This story first appeared at Everton's media
