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We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
James Garner faces a “long couple of months” out of Everton action after working so hard, with teammates ready to take his spot, says Kevin Campbell.
The English midfielder had worked himself up to the top of the back-up midfielders behind Alex Iwobi, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye prior to the World Cup break, before a back injury ruled him out possibly until February [Ben Dinnery, 2 December].
Sky Sports pundit Campbell admits that it is a very difficult development for the youngster, but from a team point of view sees it as a next man up situation that another player now has to take advantage of.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, he said: “It’s very, very difficult for James Garner obviously.
“Because he wanted an opportunity didn’t he? An opportunity to show what he could do.
“But sometimes these things happen and somebody else has to emerge.
“There are some young lads who have done very well so there could be a spot for them to challenge.
“Injuries are part of the game, part and parcel.
“A couple of months is long, but at the same time it’s not.
“It’s long for James Garner but it’s not long if you’re somebody who wants to take his spot.
“Unfortunately this is the game.”
The summer signing from Manchester United had become increasingly involved up until the point where he was injured, and had only just made his case for more game time in the national press.
But Everton are no strangers to unfortunately timed injuries these days, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s probably having the greatest impact.
So, while Garner’s time will inevitably come again, the likes of Tom Davies and Abdoulaye Doucoure might eye this as a chance to make one last claim to stay at the club, while youngster Isaac Price might now get a his opportunity, having come to the fore at just the right time.