Rafael Benitez provides injury update for Yerry Mina
Everton boss Rafael Benitez provided an update on Yerry Mina’s injury after his side’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
The Colombian defender has been absent for three Premier League fixtures since sustaining a hamstring issue in training.
Speaking after Sunday’s draw at Goodison Park (via the club’s official Twitter account), the Toffees boss shared an update on the central defender’s situation.
“Yerry is close [to being fit]. He didn’t have the time to be ready for this game. He is very close,” the Spaniard confirmed.
“In a few days, he can join the team, start training and then we will see how he progresses. I am optimistic for Yerry,” he concluded.
Good news
The update should bring smiles to the faces of Toffees fans. The squad has been hit harder than most in terms of injuries this campaign and, in Mina’s absence, there aren’t too many suitable options in central defence.
Against Tottenham, a strong partnership of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey performed well against a daunting opposition front line. However, on the bench, Benitez was only able to call upon Mason Holgate – who came on as a substitute and subsequently saw red so is now out for three fixtures – and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Mina’s availability is key for Everton’s strength in depth in the back line. Since the Colombian was forced out of action, Everton have conceded six in three Premier League games – the draw against Spurs being their first clean sheet of that period.
The sooner Mina returns to action, the better. And, judging by Benitez’s optimism, we should see the defender back at the heart of the Toffees defence after the upcoming international break.
In other Everton news, Michael Brown was left bemused by Fabian Delph’s yellow card against Spurs.