Richarlison is due back at Everton's training ground tomorrow and will be in contention to play in the opening game of the season.
The Brazilian international was granted permission to extend his campaign by playing in the Tokyo Olympics and it was expected he would miss the first games of the season because of it.
But it has now emerged Everton gave the 24-year-old the go-ahead on the basis that he would not require an extended rest after the tournament and would return soon after the Games had finished.
Richarlison helped Brazil overcome Spain in the Olympic final on Saturday but is expected to return to Finch Farm on Wednesday and be available to face Southampton, at Goodison, this weekend.
Everton will still have to handle the £35m man with care given his workload this summer which saw him also play in the World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America, where Brazil reached the final, following a 40-game season for the Blues.
But the return of Richarlison will come as a significant boost ahead of Rafa Benitez's first competitive game in charge.
Everton also hope Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who missed the friendly with Manchester United with a "knock", will be fit enough to play against Saints.
