Cristian Fernandez has joined Rafael Benitez’s Everton coaching setup.
Fernandez becomes the fourth backroom staff member to reunite with Benitez following the arrivals of Paco de Miguel, Antonio Gomez and Jamie Harley.
The pair previously worked together during the Spaniard’s three-year spell with Newcastle United, where Fernandez remained for another two years.
Prior to his time in the North East, the Blues’ new first-team rehabilitation fitness coach held similar positions at Hull City and Northampton Town.
“We are happy to welcome Cristian to our medical department,” said Everton boss Benitez.
“I knew about him when he was at Hull, then he joined us at Newcastle United and did a great job.
“He is someone who can help with the rehabilitation of players, a nice lad and an excellent professional.
“Cristian is a specialist in this area and I am sure he will be very helpful for the team.”
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that six of Everton’s Premier League fixtures heading into the New Year are set to be switched for broadcasting demands.
The Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool at Goodison on November 30 will be pushed back 24 hours to an 8.15pm kick-off on Wednesday, December 1.
Everton’s home clash with Arsenal has also been shifted from its original December 4 date to Monday, December 6 as part of Sky Sports’ coverage.
A December 15 trip to Chelsea could be postponed if the hosts take up their invitation to play in the Club World Cup as Champions League holders.
Leicester City’s visit to Goodison on Monday, December 20, similarly, will be rescheduled if Brendan Rodgers’ side reach the Carabao Cup’s fifth round.
Should that happen, a 12pm start on Sunday, December 19 has been pencilled in.
Benitez’s home reunion with his former employers Newcastle United will be shown live by Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, December 30 at 7.30pm.
Everton’s start to the New Year against Brighton is now set to start at 2pm on January 2, 2022.