‘Very, very tough’ – Exclusive: Kevin Campbell delivers verdict on Fabian Delph blow
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Fabian Delph is worth his weight in gold and claims his injury is a massive blow for Everton.
Delph started for the Toffees in last weekend’s game against Burnley but he was substituted midway through the first half after picking up what looked like a hamstring injury.
Campbell believes that Delph will be a big miss for the Toffees especially as he can perform well in numerous positions.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “Obviously it’s a very very tough blow for him to do his hamstring like that. Versatile players are worth their weight in gold in the squad and to lose one like him is very difficult.
“He can do a job in multiple positions, but the injury bug strikes again now doesn’t it? He’s going to be out for a little while now.”
Delph started at left-back against Burnley due to Everton’s ongoing injury crisis and his knock couldn’t have come at a worse time for Carlo Ancelotti.
As Campbell said, players like Delph who can perform to a high standard in numerous positions can be worth a lot to a club.
This is especially true this year with the congested fixture schedule many football clubs are facing and as we have already seen this season, injuries are occurring more frequently.
According to Premier Injuries, there were 133 muscle injuries in total over the first nine matchdays of this Premier League season which is a 23% increase compared to the same period last year.
This is due to a myriad of reasons such as the fixture congestion and the lack of pre-season that many clubs experienced.
This is why players like Delph are so important to clubs like Everton and his absence, whether it proves to be short or long-term, will no doubt be a blow to the Toffees.
In other Everton news, Michael Keane continued his excellent form this season in Saturday’s draw at Turf Moor.