Everton dealt ‘massive blow’ after Nathan Patterson update – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Nathan Patterson being absent for any length of time would be a “massive blow” for Everton after his start to the 2022-23 campaign.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old has been one of the Toffees’ “standouts” during the new season.
Patterson was stretchered off with a knee injury in the first half of Scotland’s 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday (21 September).
As per the Daily Record (23 September), the former Rangers man will visit a top specialist on Tuesday (27 September) – meaning he faces an anxious wait before knowing his prognosis.
He had started each of Everton’s seven Premier League games so far this season after making just one appearance last season.
Whelan insisted a “serious” injury is the last thing Patterson needs with the right-back still making his first impressions at Goodison Park.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “These are the sort of things a manager dreads.
“Especially when you’ve got a settled back four, and he’s one of the stand outs.
“He looks energetic, aggressive – he looks like he’s really enjoying his football.
“These are the unfortunate things that will happen when you’re playing a lot of games at the top of your game.
“It’s a massive blow for Everton and for the player just after getting into a continuous rhythm at last at Everton.
“I hope it’s not too serious – because the last thing you need when you’re trying to make an impression at a new football club is to be out for a lengthy spell.
“Fingers crossed it’s not a long-term injury, but it’s not going to be good news either way – because Frank Lampard needs him right now.”
In other news, pundit lambasts Rafa Benitez amid “massive” new Everton “backlash”.