Ben Dinnery

Thu 10 February 2022 13:55, UK

Ben Godfrey could be out for longer than the four or five weeks that Everton are currently forecasting.

That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.

Godfrey was forced off with a hamstring issue 15 minutes into the 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup last Saturday (5 February).

The fourth-round clash was Frank Lampard’s first at the helm.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo on Monday (7 February), the new boss claimed that the 24-year-old defender would be out for “four to five weeks”

But Dinnery suggests that this is a conservative estimate and that Godfrey could be sidelined for an extended period.

“The caveat is that it was a minimum timeframe,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“We can understand from that timeline that we are looking at a grade two tear.

“It’s always difficult to predict exactly how long he’ll be out. It could even be longer than that five-week period.

“You have to make sure you are mitigating all of the risks because these injuries have got a high recurrence rate.

“Another setback with this injury could potentially end his campaign, so you don’t want to rush him back.

“Godfrey is going to want to impress the new boss. He was given a start in that first game and unfortunately, he has limped out early doors.

“But it is an area where Everton are fairly well stocked. There is no need at this particular point in time to take any unnecessary risks.

“If we’re looking at March, there is an international break there. They would ideally target something before that.

“But if they are erring on the side of caution, they may wait until after that.”

Godfrey did not feature as the Toffees were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle United on Tuesday (8 February).

The former Norwich City man has turned out 20 times across all competitions this season.

In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor hits back at “jealous” Glen Hoddle after Dele Alli update at Everton.