Bolasie to return to first-team training

Yannick Bolasie concedes he date has been set for him to make his comeback from a serious knee injury.

It is now 11 months since Bolasie suffered cruciate knee ligament damage against Man Utd at Goodison Park, an injury so serious it required two operations.

The 28-year-old returned to light training in September but is understandably being very cautious with his recovery.

Another significant milestone will be achieved on Monday when Bolasie returns to training with his teammates, perhaps signalling the final stage of his long road to fitness.

Toffees fans are desperate to see Bolasie back in action, not least because he would add a bit of pace, width and creativity to what at times has been a ponderous Everton frontline this season.

However, speaking to Sky Sports at the Football Black List Awards, the former Crystal Palace winger was keen to play down talk of an imminent return.

"I haven't set a date yet for that return. I can't really say right now.

"I'm back in on Monday at Everton. I'm probably going to be integrated with the team then, but comeback I don't know.

"I want to make sure I'm feeling good. It's not just my name on my shirt on the pitch; I want to make sure it's me."