Nathan Patterson faces weeks on Everton sidelines after surgery in recovery timeline update
Nathan Patterson may be out of action for Everton until Christmas after his hernia operation this season.
The full-back is yet to feature in David Moyes‘ first team at all yet this season and the manager revealed in late October that his compatriot had a new double-injury issue.
Patterson had suffered a muscle tear in his foot while playing for the Under-21s so while he was out the club elected to have his hernia problem seen to at the same time.
Moyes subsequently confirmed ahead of Everton’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Monday that the full-back had undergone a “small procedure on his groin” and wouldn’t be available, but didn’t put a timeframe on his return.
Nathan Patterson faces eight-week recovery period
Since his arrival from Rangers Patterson, 24, has seen his Toffees career blighted by injury and according to a new recovery projection he faces a number of weeks out once more.
Dr Rajpal Brar, a sports scientist and doctor of physical therapy, has indicated that mid-to-late December is at the top end of the timescale for when the defender could be back in action, but wouldn’t expect any long-term complications.
He exclusively told Goodison News: “If it’s a sports hernia, which it typically is with footballers, you’re looking at six to eight week recovery and outcomes are very good.“
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Everton exit on the cards for ex-Rangers youngster
Unless Patterson returns to full fitness at the same time as Everton experience an injury crisis in defence and he snaps up an opportunity to cement his place it is hard to see a significant future for him at the Hill Dickinson.
His stay on Merseyside has regularly been interrupted by injury set backs and while he has shown positive signs at times he has never been able to make the right-back spot his own.
Moyes gave him a few opportunities last season but never a sustained run, while Sean Dyche regularly preferred veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young.
Jake O’Brien has become the regular on the right of the back four despite being a natural centre-back and on the assumption that The Friedkin Group continue to upgrade the squad over coming windows it wouldn’t be a shock to see Patterson depart for more chances elsewhere.
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