Everton have been dealt a potential injury blow to one of their most promising first-team players.
During Scotland’s 3-0 win over Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night, Toffees full-back Nathan Patterson was stretchered off the pitch at Hampden Park after picking up an injury.
Speaking after the game, Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: “It doesn’t look too good when he goes off on a stretcher. He obviously felt something on his leg, we’ll just wait and see what the medics say and how it pans out. Hopefully, it’s not too serious and hopefully he’s not out too long.”
Patterson at Everton
Everton signed the defender from Rangers in January in a deal worth a reported £16m.
This season has seen the Scotsman play every minute of Premier League action for the Merseyside club, making him one of just three players to do so, which showcases just how highly-rated and important he is for Frank Lampard.
The 20-year-old has also shown how capable a defender he is by winning more tackles (13) and making more pressures in the defensive third of the pitch (75) than any other player at the club.
His overall performances in the league this term have earned him an early season rating of 6.92/10, making him Everton’s second-highest rated outfield player according to WhoScored.
Big blow for Lampard
Taking all that into account, it’s safe to say that not only has Lampard put plenty of faith in the youngster by giving him so much playing time, but also that Patterson has been able to repay that trust with top performances.
Therefore, if the defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, this would surely be a big blow for the Everton manager.
Moving forward, everyone connected to the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be hoping that the injury which forced him off the pitch in last night’s Scotland game is not a serious one and will not preclude him from lining out for Everton when they resume action against Southampton on 1 October.
