Everton ace Demarai Gray set to miss Southampton clash
Everton manager Frank Lampard has ruled winger Demarai Gray out of the Blues’ Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday (February 19).
The Toffees travel to St. Mary’s for a 3 pm kick-off where they will look to build on their emphatic win against Leeds United last time out.
Gray limped off with a hip issue in Everton’s defeat to Newcastle and will not be fit enough to feature against the Saints this weekend having also missed last weeks games against Leeds.
“Demarai Gray is still out of action,” Lampard said in his pre-Southampton press conference.
Could be worse
It’s a real shame for Everton. For most of the season, Gray has been by far the team’s standout performer so this is a real blow for Lampard.
His seven-goal involvements in 20 Premier League games have been huge in keeping the Blues as far away from the relegation zone as possible; even more impressive when you consider the attacker was only brought in for less than £2million in the summer window.
There are several factors that soften the blow.
The recent returns of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have more than bolstered the Blues frontline and the form of Anthony Gordon since the arrival of Lampard has given the former Chelsea boss a plethora of options.
There was also some good news on the injury front. Vitaliy Mykolenko, the squad’s only recognised senior left-back, has made his return from injury.
Fellow defender Ben Godfrey also nears a return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Hopefully Gray makes a speedy recovery.
In other Toffees news, View: Goodison statistic shows Frank Lampard has what it takes at Everton.