Frank Lampard delivers injury update on Everton duo after Newcastle defeat
Everton lost 3-1 against Newcastle United in the Premier League clash on Tuesday night (09 February) at St James’ Park.
During the game, the Toffees lost Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray through injuries and they were substituted in the first half.
It hampered the game plan, for Lampard, but it would be going too far to use that as an excuse for the defeat.
Mina was withdrawn with a quadriceps problem before the half-time interval and was replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite.
Gray picked up a hip injury and is likely to be out for a while. Lampard said that he was “slightly concerned” with the injury situations at the club.
“It’s a quad injury. We’re slightly concerned about it, but we’ll have to assess over the next few days,” said Lampard, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
“Obviously losing Ben the other day makes it a double-whammy in an area of the pitch where they’re two big players for us.
“Demarai’s is a hip injury, which he’s had previously and come back from quickly, so we’re hopeful on that one.”
Big blow
The injury to Mina and Gray will come as a major blow for Lampard.
With Ben Godfrey already out injured, losing a quality player like Mina is the last thing he would’ve wanted
The Colombian is arguably the club’s best defender when available, but has hardly kept himself fit this season.
His recurrent injuries have reached a point where it is bordering on frustration. If your manager cannot rely on the team’s best player, how will he find a way to make you integral to his plans?
In all probability, Mina could be sold in the summer.
Gray has been outstanding this season. Signed on a measly fee, he has proved himself to be an outstanding buy for the club.
Fast, skilful, Gray has chipped in with some important goals this season.
The Toffees need to pick up some wins in the league as they’re facing a very real threat of relegation.
In other Toffees news, Chris Sutton slams ‘awful’ Everton star Yerry Mina for mistake v Newcastle.