Noel Whelan left frustrated by Everton injury blow
Everton claimed yet another victory over Crystal Palace last Saturday, triumphing 3-1 at Goodison Park, but it came at a cost.
Theo Walcott, who has had a largely disappointing season but who has picked up of late, had to come off in the first half with what looked like an ankle injury.
The timing was immensely frustrating for Carlo Ancelotti and co. given that the England international had provided the assist for Bernard’s goal not long before that.
He produced a magnificent cross that looped all the way over the top of the Palace defence and allowed the Brazilian to steal in and convert the opener.
The problem suffered by the 30-year-old is something that former Premier League striker Noel Whelan feels is a real issue for Ancelotti.
“It’s a big blow, and not just for Ancelotti, but also for Walcott because I think it’s important that he’s got some continuity with his performances,” he told Football Insider.
“You can see what a fantastic cross he put in for Bernard. That’s the sort of quality that he can deliver from wide areas, along with pace, and direct dribbling, and goals.
“He looked like he was just getting into that kind of form that we expect from Theo Walcott and now, suddenly, it’s stop and start again for him which is unfortunate.
“You’re going to miss quality players like that but I’m sure they’re going to adapt and try and get him back as quickly as possible because Everton at the minute are on a fantastic run.”
How big of a loss could Walcott be to the Toffees?
Well it’s not yet clear how long the winger will be out for, and with the winter break in full effect there’s a chance he could be back in time for the team’s next game.
But if Walcott does end up missing any time then it would be really disappointing because he’s played excellently in the last game and a bit.
He scored that late winner against Watford, of course, while he got the aforementioned assist on Saturday before having to come off.
Ancelotti does have other options like Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean who can come in and play with a bit of a re-jig, but losing Walcott certainly wouldn’t be ideal.
In other Everton news, a report has revealed whether the club will go back in for Wilfried Zaha next summer.