Will the return of Yerry Mina ease zonal marking concerns?

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Everton could be buoyed by the eventual return of Yerry Mina, as he may suit Marco Silva’s zonal marking tactics.

The Colombian World Cup star is yet to feature for the Toffees.

Following his summer move from Barcelona, the centre-back has been nursing an aggravated metatarsal injury.

Silva has used Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma at centre-half so far.

Captain Jagielka was sent off against Wolves on the opening day and now has a slight injury, and Keane missed out against Huddersfield and is currently nursing a head injury.

No matter what combination Silva has been forced to play, one thing is seemingly continuing to trouble the defence – set pieces.

Silva is trying to implement zonal marking tactics and so far it hasn’t fared well.

The Toffees are allowing men too much space in the area, with Will Vaulks’ goal for Rotherham the other night a recent case in point.

Mina’s return will be timely

Mina’s return will surely go some way in easing these current defensive concerns.

The 6ft 5in centre-half showed how dominant he can be in the air at the World Cup.

He is so physically imposing that he will just intimidate people in his zone.

One gets the feeling that Mina would be able to rise highest out of everyone to clear the danger, providing his starting position is good enough.

There aren’t many players in the Premier League who are going to win an aerial battle with him.

But when will that be?

A couple of weeks ago Silva moved to clarify just what is going on with Mina.

Apparently the defender suffered an aggravation of an old metatarsal injury.

The Portuguese stated that it is not serious and he should return soon after the international break.

Everton have looked promising so far this term and if they can just shore things up a little at the back then it could be an exciting season – Mina’s return will surely provide a big boost.