Everton Handed Major Boost As £12m Star Reveals Injury Comeback Timeline: Should Moyes Put Him Straight Back In?

Everton Handed Major Boost As £12m Star Reveals Injury Comeback Timeline: Should Moyes Put Him Straight Back In? Everton have received an encouraging update on Merlin Röhl, although the German midfielder could face a difficult fight for regular minutes once he returns from injury. According to Goodison News , the 24-year-old has missed the last three Everton fixtures because of an undisclosed fitness problem. Röhl started the opening three Premier League games at right-back, despite his natural position in midfield, as David Moyes looked for a flexible solution. He started against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Manchester United, operating at right-back each time. Röhl then missed the draw at Tottenham , the Carabao Cup meeting with Wolves and the league victory over Ipswich. Now, though, the player has offered a positive indication about his recovery. In footage shared by Everton, Röhl said his rehabilitation was going very well and suggested he needed around another week and a half. That timeframe points to a possible return after the international break, with the Hull City fixture on October 11 emerging as a realistic target. The timing matters because Ainsley Maitland-Niles has taken his chance. The summer arrival scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester United, while Everton have collected points during Röhl’s absence. Can Röhl force his way back into Everton’s starting XI? LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Merlin Rohl of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) My view is that Röhl won’t immediately become a vital part of Moyes’ setup. His versatility remains useful, but three missed matches have changed the selection picture, particularly because Maitland-Niles has established himself at right-back and the midfield options have gained momentum. At full-back, Maitland-Niles has a stronger claim because he offers a more natural defensive profile. His late goal against Manchester United showed another side of his contribution, and Moyes has little reason to make a change while results remain positive. In midfield, the competition looks even tighter. James Garner has continued to provide experience and defensive discipline, while Harrison Armstrong has earned minutes and shown why Everton value his physical presence. Dewsbury-Hall has operated higher up the pitch, giving Moyes another option between midfield and attack. That creates a problem for Röhl. His ability to cover right-back and midfield makes him valuable across a season, yet versatility doesn’t guarantee selection when a manager has settled combinations. A return against Hull could therefore begin with a bench role rather than an immediate recall. The double-pivot idea deserves attention too. Garner can drop deeper and help Everton progress possession, while Armstrong can use his energy to press and challenge opponents higher up. Their roles give Moyes a defensive base without asking one midfielder to cover every space. Röhl may therefore need patience. Domestic cup opportunities, tactical changes or an injury elsewhere could open a route, but forcing him straight back into the XI would disrupt combinations that have started to work. For now, the German’s first task is completing his rehabilitation and returning ready.