Everton news: ‘Massive’ Andros Townsend verdict after injury update – pundit
Everton have suffered a “massive blow” after manager Frank Lampard confirmed an injury to “game-changing” winger Andros Townsend, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Toffees will sorely miss the 30-year-old – who “knows the Premier League inside out”.
Townsend was replaced by Demarai Gray in the 17th minute as Everton were thumped 4-0 by the winger’s former side Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday (20 March).
Speaking post-match and quoted by The Athletic, Lampard conceded the injury “looks bad”.
The former Chelsea boss confirmed Townsend will undergo scans to diagnose the problem, but suggested “the early signs” point to “a bad knee injury”.
Whelan claimed someone else must “step up and be the hero” with “time running out” for Everton.
“You need to have players who know the Premier League inside out,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Townsend is one of those, he knows full well how to dig in and grind out results.
“That’s what teams have always needed, players with the mental strength and character to stick with it in the relegation fight and come up with solid performances to get points on the board.
“It’s a massive blow. It’s one less option for Lampard with time running out for him, and we know full well how Townsend can change a game on his day – he’s a brilliant player.
“These are problems that Frank doesn’t really need, but someone else is going to have to step up now and be the hero.”
Townsend has netted seven goals in 27 Everton appearances this term.
The Toffees are just three points clear of the Premier League drop zone with 11 games still to play.
In other news, pundit claims Everton could change system after confirmed news.