Medical expert: Everton set for ‘huge’ boost after Nathan Patterson latest
Fit-again Everton star Nathan Patterson can “attack pre-season with a renewed confidence” after making his injury return with Scotland.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Patterson came off the bench to play 14 minutes as Scotland defeated Armenia 2-0 in the Nations League on Wednesday (8 June).
As quoted by the BBC (6 June), the 20-year-old right-back revealed he is “looking forward to the new season” after “battering the gym” during his injury layoff.
Patterson, who joined in a reported £16million deal in January, played just once for Everton before suffering an ankle injury while on international duty in March.
When asked if Patterson’s potential involvement for Scotland will provide him with a boost going into the 2022-23 campaign, Dinnery told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Absolutely, it’ll be huge.
“Quite often, and especially at this sort of year, being in the gym and doing rehab – it can be a very lonely part of the job.
“Mentally and psychologically, it’s tough. The physical demands – you come to expect those, although it is Patterson’s first major injury and surgical intervention.
“Just to be back in that competitive environment and part of the squad gearing up for games will be massive.
“Even when you come across other squad members in the gym or getting your lunch – you never quite feel a part of it. You’re looking from the outside in.
“Returning at this point gets him in a really positive mindset.
“Being part of this Scotland squad will allow him to attack pre-season with a renewed confidence.”
In other news, Everton willing to listen to offers for £120,000-a-week midfield star this summer.