It is a concern that we seem to have several sicknotes in this squad who seem to miss the majority of games through injury.
Clearly there is some deadwood and we certainly need to add some more quality, my fear is Everton will add 1 or 2 good additions each year whereas I think we need 5 right away, and good ones too if we are to sustain a league and European campaign next season.
I think we have the right man for the job, clearly he is, but he is hamstrung by the clubs previously dealings and FFP.
I mean the only real 'sicknote' we have is James.
But that's the issue. It's why he's at Everton and not still ripping it up at Madrid or Bayern.
He has a longstanding calf issue. I don't think our medical team have managed it very well but it's not been helped by the fact he's not played a lot for a year or so before coming here. He's world class, so it's worth it getting the 20 - 25 games per season out of him.
The main thing which is crippling us atm is our previous recruitment being so one-paced, so lacking in power. So many sluggish, technically decent players with no bravery on the ball or athleticism (probably lack bravery because they aren't athletic enough).
That's what needs to be addressed. I can understand it's an issue that under previous managers wanting different types of players etc, but we always look such a small side. Look at Alonso, James yesterday. Proper athletes down the wings.
The one area I don't think Brands has an excuse for is right-back. That should have been sorted years ago. Arguably at the same time as Digne. To not have a succession plan in place and not to have made our minds up on Kenny sooner is really, really poor.
It's clear where the issues lie in the squad. Now it's about getting the best out of what we have for the rest of the season and hope we finish in Europe, which will give us more money to spend on the clear areas of need.
In saying that, to finish higher, we have to win games, and that means scoring goals, and that means creating more chances than we do.