Everton have left behind several key players for their Europa League trip to Lyon.
Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka all took part in the Blues’ preparations at Finch Farm on Wednesday ahead of their Group E encounter.
However the trio were conspicuous by their absences from the club’s travelling party which touched down in the French city later that day.
David Unsworth’s side need to take maximum points from the Groupama Stadium if they are to remain in contention for Europa League qualification.
But the Everton caretaker admitted that Sunday’s visit of Watford played a part in the decision to keep Rooney, Jagielka and Baines grounded on Merseyside.
He said: “We wanted to freshen it up, with one eye on Sunday as well.
“Those lads have played a lot of games.
It’s a great opportunity for some of our lads and a chance for them to give me a [selection] problem ahead of Sunday.”