Everton boss Roberto Martinez has urged Sylvain Distin to fight hard for his place in the line-up.
The veteran French defender has not played since the Capital One Cup loss to Swansea City on September 23 but could be back for Thursday night's Europa League meeting with Lille.
"Distin's involved, he is training but at the moment we have a lot of games and he needs to fight for his place," said Martinez.
"He is an important player to the squad but he has been on the sidelines for a long time."
Distin has started four times in the Premier League this season but has not featured in Everton's first two European fixtures.
