Everton duo ruled out of Europa League trip to Lille

Everton duo Leon Osman and Steven Naismith have not travelled to Lille for the Toffees' Europa League fixture on Thursday night.

Blues stalwart Osman and Scotland international Naismith were not included in the travelling party which departed to France on Wednesday, but defender Sylvain Distin, who has missed Everton's last four matches through injury, joined up with Roberto Martinez's men.

Having came through his first match of the season last weekend against Aston Villa following a serious knee injury, Ross Barkley is once again tipped to lead Everton's attacking threat from midfield.

Academy goalkeeper Russell Griffiths,18, also boarded the plane to Lille but long-term absentee Arouna Kone missed the trip as he battles back to full fitness.