Demarai Gray: Everton hit by hammer blow after ‘massive’ injury reveal – pundit
Injuries to Demarai Gray and Yerry Mina could be “absolutely massive for Everton” in the fight for Premier League survival, according to Paddy Kenny.
The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the duo are “key players” who will be sorely missed.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo on Friday (11 February), Frank Lampard revealed Yerry Mina will be missing for eight to ten weeks through injury, while Demerai Gray will miss Saturday’s clash with Leeds.
However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be part of the squad to face the Whites in the crucial relegation six-pointer.
Mina and Gray both limped off as Everton suffered a 3-1 away defeat against Newcastle on Tuesday (8 February).
Kenny suggested Lampard will be “desperate” to restore his stricken stars to the line-up as soon as possible.
“This could be absolutely massive for Everton,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The last thing they need right now is injury and suspension, they need everyone fit and available.
“They’re in a real dogfight now and missing key players like that is really bad for their chances of survival.
“They’ll be desperate to get them back in the team and back to their best because they are going to be needed in this back end of the season.”
Midfielders Fabian Delph and Abdoulaye Doucoure are both sidelined with thigh and groin problems respectively.
Everton sit just two points away from the relegation zone ahead of tomorrow’s (12 February) clash against Leeds United.
Lampard is aiming to win his first Premier League match in charge of the Toffees.
In other news, Everton offer recruitment role to Steve Hitchen despite ‘unimpressive’ interview.