Everton handed major boost as Yerry Mina spotted in training
Everton have been handed a major boost ahead of Saturday’s game against Burnley after defender Yerry Mina was spotted back in training.
The Colombian centre-back has missed the last four games in the Premier League for the Toffees, with summer signing Ben Godfrey partnering Michael Keane in his place.
Up until his injury Mina had been a regular mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, playing the full 90 minutes in 18 of his 19 league appearances this season.
Mina, as well as club captain Seamus Coleman, was spotted in Everton’s open training session on Wednesday, streamed live on the club’s official YouTube channel.
Everton could now count Mina among their defensive options ahead of facing the Clarets at Goodison Park this weekend, with Keane, Godfrey and Mason Holgate also available.
Welcome return for Mina
Keane and Godfrey have actually forged a successful partnership since Mina limped off against Manchester City last month, but even still, it will be good to have him back.
The Colombian has been a rock for Everton on a number of occasions this season and while he’s not always the most consistent, he’s a valuable player to have in the squad.
Burnley are a difficult nut to crack defensively, especially given our overall lack of pace and with James Rodriguez’s absence leaving us short one unique creator. However Mina’s physicality and aerial ability from set pieces could prove pivotal if Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison struggle to break through the line.
Until we hear Carlo specifically say that Mina is back in the running it isn’t worth figuring out what that means for Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate, but it would certainly benefit Everton to have him back so that Carlo can play around with his options.
Mina has undeniably come on leaps and bounds this season, and he’s a valuable player to have back fit and available.
In other Everton news, The Liverpool Echo journalist David Prentice has bemoaned ‘frustrating’ James Rodriguez.