Yerry Mina: Pundit raises ‘massive’ Everton fears after crushing blow confirmed
Noel Whelan has admitted Frank Lampard is already under pressure at Everton after Yerry Mina’s crushing injury blow ahead of Saturday’s game against Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker insisted injuries could have a “massive” impact on the rest of the squad.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday (11 February), Lampard confirmed Mina will be missing for at least eight weeks.
Meanwhile, Demarai Gray will sit out this weekend’s game.
The duo both went off injured in the 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.
Whelan admitted the
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “This was probably the last thing Frank needed, injuries to Demarai Gray and Yerry Mina.
“I mean Mina got the goal against Brentford but it’s a different kettle of fish when you’re under pressure in the cauldron of St James’ Park knowing what a massive game it is.
“Now he’s got another huge game coming up at the weekend. It doesn’t get any easier, especially when you’ve got two injuries to two important players.
“Changes are going have to be pretty swift, he’s going to have to find that confidence in the players. He’s also going to have to find the system and a player at the back. It might be Holgate he moves across.
“Frank’s definitely going to be tested because there’s no doubt about it now. They’re a team that’s now being dragged into this battle at the bottom.
“Fortunes are going to have to change pretty swiftly. This is where he’s going to earn his money, in trying to find that formation and that belief in the players.
“The pressure’s on. It doesn’t matter how many internationals you’ve got, it can affect the side massively.”
Gray lasted just 25 minutes before coming off against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite replaced Mina just 10 minutes later.
In other news, ex-referee claims Everton let down by the officials against Newcastle.