Turkey international Cenk Tosun has not started any of Everton’s last three games.
Tosun did however, manage to impress over the warm-weather break in Dubai and there were rumors he could return to the fold.
The 26-year-old is competing for a place with Oumar Niasse and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the Everton attack.
Sam Allardyce appeared to rule out Tosun regaining his place as first-choice striker – which he only enjoyed for the first two games after joining from Besiktas in January.
Big Sam hinted that Niasse will keep his place in the starting line-up based on his recent form.
Allardyce did underline that competition for a place up front is fierce but that the Senegal international is currently his number on.
He said: “You’ve got competition because of Oumar’s great form in terms of what he’s achieving now.
“I think that Oumar’s position at Everton has never really been as good as it is at the moment, where he’s put himself in a position to shine and score goals.
“He’s got goals and assists to his name and has started games on a regular basis.
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“The competition with him, Dominic and Tosun is fierce, which is what you want.
“Oumar’s grasped that position at the moment so it’s made it difficult for me to replace him at this moment in time.
“I think he’s got seven goals this season, a couple of assists and his form has been pretty good.”
Niasse scored and provided an assist in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace before the mini-break.
The 27-year-old is likely to start against Watford on Saturday but Tosun will be available in case Allardyce has a change of heart.
