Everton are struggling to secure their safety in the Premier League for next season, and with an important clash against their relegation rivals Burnley tomorrow at Turf Moor, there has been some more disappointing news for Frank Lampard.
What’s the word?
Journalist, Patrick Boyland, told a forum on The Athletic that Seamus Coleman is out due to illness and did not give a timeframe on his expected return to Finch Farm.
In ten words, he simply said: “Been told Nathan Patterson and Gomes are injured. Coleman sick.”
Lampard will be fuming
Everton were dealt a 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium last weekend which means they are currently still just three points clear of the relegation zone going into their game against Sean Dyche’s side on Wednesday evening and there is no doubt that Lampard will be fuming after losing so many players in his defensive line over the last few weeks.
Jonjoe Kenny featured in the right-back role against the Hammers and if Coleman is still sick whilst youngster Nathan Patterson has been confirmed injured, the manager will have no choice but to select the 25-year-old as his only fit defender who is experienced in playing the position in the squad.
Considering he is one of the players to have been sent off late, it does not bode particularly well for the Toffees.
On top of that, Michael Keane was also sent off on Sunday afternoon leaving another hole for Lampard to fill, and another position also harboured with injury problems as centre-back Yerry Mina was confirmed by the Toffees boss to be “back in the next couple of weeks” and would be highly unlikely to be available tomorrow evening vs Burnley.
Club captain Coleman’s absence would be especially gutting for Lampard as the game against Burnley could be a real opportunity to put a gap between themselves and their fellow relegation battling side, and the Premier League midfielder turned manager would surely be hoping he could rely on his experienced players to show character in the clash.
Despite Boyland’s update, it will ultimately come down to Lampard’s pre-match press conference this afternoon to determine exactly what condition Coleman is in ahead of the mid-week fixture, and should the defender be available following a speedy recovery it will be a huge boost for the Everton team going into the game as they seek to distance themselves from relegation.
In other news: “Pretty likely…”: Insider drops huge Everton claim that’ll have Frank Lampard fuming