Goodison Stats: Pickford injury weakens Everton ahead of Man City FA Cup clash
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set for an injury lay-off after tearing his oblique abdominal muscle, Everton have confirmed.
The 27-year old will miss Everton’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City this weekend, as well as England’s World Cup qualifying games against Poland, Albania and San Marino.
With Pickford out of the game against the Premier League leaders, it’s a big blow as we go in search of silverware.
Robin Olsen returned to training last week but wasn’t fit enough to make the bench against Burnley, so Joao Virginia was made his Premier League debut off the bench.
Heading into the FA Cup game, however, Everton hope to have the Sweden international back fit, which would be somewhat of a boost for the Blues.
However considering Pickford’s recent form, Everton would still be considerably weaker with Olsen between the sticks, particularly if Carlo Ancelotti wants to play out from the back.
Pickford has often been praised for his distribution ability and he’s racked up some impressive numbers this season, with stats from WyScout revealing he makes an average of 11.62 long passes per 90 minutes compared to 6.84 for Olsen.
Pickford’s acrobatics have been impressive this season, with the England international averaging 2.88 reflex saves per 90 minutes this season compared to 2.4 for Olsen. Pickford also concedes less, with an average of 1.19 goals conceded per 90 compared to Olsen’s 1.48.
Everton are set for a tough contest when they face Manchester City at Goodison Park, with Pep Guardiola’s side having won 24 of their last 25 games in all competitions, losing just once.
City’s squad depth will inevitably present problems for Everton, and Ancelotti will hope his side can do enough to curb their own recent losing run without their first-choice shot-stopper.
In other Everton news, Fenerbahce are interested in signing Everton forward Josh King this summer.