Moyes receives boost as Norgaard returns to Everton training 2026

Key Points

• Christian Norgaard has resumed training at Finch Farm Training Complex of Everton after a long absence due to an injury.
• Norgaard, a 32-year-old midfielder, made a £7m move from Arsenal in the summer transfer window but he has not played for Everton yet.
• Pictures of him training with teammates like Jack Grealish have been put out by the club as they have just completed the international break.
• It was revealed by Moyes that it has taken longer than initially predicted to get back into shape, with a target date of return set after the international break.
• This means that Everton could line up all 18 outfield senior players in their next game against Hull City on October 11.
• Merlin Rohl will join the ranks before the break is over, while Vitalii Mykolenko did not play for Ukraine due to injuries.
• Hull City defender Tim Iroegbunam has picked up a groin injury and is unlikely to play against his former team.

Everton (Liverpool standard) September 29, 2026 – David Moyes has received a significant injury boost as Christian Norgaard was pictured training on the pitches at the club’s Finch Farm complex, marking the midfielder’s first steps towards competitive action following a frustrating start to his Everton career. The development comes as players not on international duty continue their preparations during the break, with the Blues set to resume Premier League action against Hull City on Sunday, October 11.

What did the Liverpool Echo report about Norgaard’s training return?

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Christian Norgaard has started training with his new teammates at Finch Farm, with images released by the club showing him out on the training pitches alongside the likes of Jack Grealish. The 32-year-old, who arrived in a £7m deal from Premier League winners Arsenal during the summer transfer window, has been sidelined by an unspecified injury that has kept him out of action throughout the opening weeks of the season.

The Liverpool Echo noted that while Moyes has acknowledged the length of Norgaard’s absence was unexpected, his anticipated return has repeatedly been slated for the period following the international break. This latest development represents tangible progress towards that target, with the Denmark international finally working on grass with the squad.

How long has Christian Norgaard been injured at Everton?

Christian Norgaard joined Everton from Arsenal on August 5 for an undisclosed fee, understood to be £7m, but the former Denmark international has yet to turn out for his new club. Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Everton’s trip to Bournemouth in late August, Moyes said: “Christian is still not making great progress at the moment. It’s not something where we’re probably going to get him back quickly, so we’ll just need to see how that develops.”

In mid-September, ahead of the trip to Tottenham Hotspur, Moyes provided further clarity on the situation. As reported by BBC Sport, the Everton manager stated:

“I don’t think we expected his recovery to take this long when we signed him. We are looking forward to gaining his experience, but we haven’t even had him on the grass yet. It is disappointing – for us and for him – but hopefully it won’t be too long.”

The Liverpool Echo’s live press conference coverage on September 11 quoted Moyes as saying:

“He’s still unavailable. We’re hoping we get him back maybe somewhere after the international break, that’s what we would hope.”

The manager added:

“At the moment, we’ve not had him on the grass yet, so that’s been the disappointing thing but hopefully it won’t be too long.”

What has David Moyes said about Norgaard’s fitness?

David Moyes has been candid about the frustration surrounding Norgaard’s extended absence. In comments captured by the Liverpool Echo during a press conference, Moyes explained: “That is a little bit frustrating. I have a small injury at the moment but soon, hopefully I’ll be ready and I can’t wait to get out there for the first time.” This quote appears to have been Norgaard himself speaking about his condition.

Moyes has emphasised the importance of the midfielder to the squad. As reported by Sports Mole, the Everton boss said: “We’re hoping we get [Norgaard] back somewhere after the international break. He’s hugely important for us. He’s someone who we’re looking forward to gaining his experience and his nous – but, at the moment, we haven’t had him on the grass yet. Hopefully it won’t be too long.”

The 31-year-old midfielder arrived at Everton with a groin injury and his recovery has taken longer than expected, forcing him to miss the opening four games in all competitions.

Which other Everton players are returning from injury?

The Liverpool Echo reported that Merlin Rohl had missed several games but is expected to be back before the end of the international break. Vitalii Mykolenko did miss Ukraine’s draw with Georgia on Monday amid concerns over an injury, according to the same report.

Earlier in September, the Liverpool Echo’s live press conference coverage noted that Merlin Rohl, Harrison Armstrong and Christian Norgaard missed the game against Wolves in midweek with injuries. Armstrong’s was thought to be minor and Rohl was thought to be close to a return.

What is the situation with Tim Iroegbunam at Hull City?

The Liverpool Echo reported that Tim Iroegbunam looks set to be sidelined for Hull’s clash with his former club on Sunday, October 11. The ECHO’s sister website, Hull Live, report the midfielder has aggravated an existing groin injury, which almost saw his summer move to the Tigers scuppered.

Iroegbunam’s impressive performance off the bench in Hull’s last outing before the international break, a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, looked to have earned him a first start for his new club against Everton, who sanctioned his departure on transfer deadline day in a deal that could be worth £22m. But the 23-year-old is now a major doubt and could be sidelined for much of October.

What are Everton’s plans during the international break?

The Blues look set to play a behind-closed-doors game against Blackburn Rovers later this week, according to the Liverpool Echo. This fixture will provide additional match practice for players returning from injury as Moyes prepares his squad for the resumption of Premier League action.

Background of the Development

Christian Norgaard’s arrival at Everton marked a significant addition to David Moyes’ midfield options. The 32-year-old Danish international brought extensive Premier League experience, having made over 200 appearances in English football prior to his move from Arsenal. His acquisition was seen as a strategic move to add defensive stability and veteran leadership to a squad that Moyes has described as relatively small.

The midfielder’s injury troubles began before he could make his debut, with a groin problem identified as the primary concern. Throughout August and September, Moyes provided regular updates on Norgaard’s progress, consistently expressing disappointment at the extended timeline while maintaining optimism about an eventual return.

The target for Norgaard’s return had been set for the period following the first international break of the season, with Hull City’s visit to Goodison Park on October 11 identified as a potential milestone. The Liverpool Echo reported that getting Norgaard fit was one of three clear priorities for Moyes as he looked to solve transfer and depth problems within the squad.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Everton Supporters

For Everton supporters, Norgaard’s return to training represents both immediate relief and longer-term optimism. The midfielder’s absence has left a noticeable gap in the defensive midfield position, with Moyes lacking a specialist in that role during the early stages of the season. His integration into training suggests that supporters could see him in action when the team resumes competitive fixtures, potentially strengthening the squad for the challenges ahead.

The prospect of having all 18 senior outfield players fit for the Hull City fixture would provide Moyes with unprecedented selection options since his return to the club. For supporters, this translates to greater squad depth, increased competition for places, and the potential for more consistent performances across the demanding Premier League schedule.

Norgaard’s experience and leadership qualities, frequently highlighted by Moyes in press conferences, could prove particularly valuable during crucial periods of the season. His ability to read the game and provide defensive cover may allow other midfielders to adopt more advanced roles, potentially enhancing Everton’s attacking output while maintaining defensive solidity.

However, supporters should temper immediate expectations. As noted by RotoWire, Norgaard has to clear several hurdles before being ready to return to a competitive match, and while he has roughly two weeks to get into shape, match sharpness will take time to develop. The midfielder’s first appearances may be limited to substitute roles or shorter periods on the pitch as he builds fitness.

For the wider supporter base, this development reinforces the importance of patience during injury recoveries and highlights the club’s medical team’s approach to managing player welfare. The successful return of Norgaard, alongside Merlin Rohl and potentially others, could establish a positive precedent for handling similar situations throughout the campaign.