Yerry Mina: ‘Huge’ Everton claim issued after expert’s update
Yerry Mina’s return from injury could be “huge” for Everton and their survival bid, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 27-year-old can “dominate a game” on his day.
According to Football Insider injury expert Ben Dinnery (28 March), who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis, Mina will step up his recovery from injury at the Everton training ground this week.
The Colombia international’s season has been dominated by thigh problems.
The centre-back limped off in the first half as Everton lost 3-1 against Newcastle in early February.
Whelan claimed the former Barcelona man could replace Michael Keane in the Toffees lineup.
“It’s huge,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Yerry Mina has been a bit like Marmite in recent years, you either love him or you hate him.
“But what he does give you is that real defensive presence and Everton need that. We know he carries a real threat from set pieces as well.
“He’s so experienced and he’s been at the club for a very long time. When you’re down at the bottom of the table, you need options.
“With the poor form of Michael Keane, Frank Lampard has had nowhere to turn to in order to replace him. He will have that option again when Mina comes back.
“He’s a player who is going to be very important in the run-in. He’s inconsistent, but on his day he can really dominate a game.”
Everton sit 17th in the Premier League – just three points clear of the drop zone.
Mina has managed just 11 appearances in all competitions this term.
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