Everton boss Frank Lampard has been dealt a fresh injury setback ahead of an all-important Sunday trip to Liverpool.
The lowdown
Everton travel to Anfield for the 16.30 kick-off looking to cause an upset against the title-chasing Reds.
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Any points could be crucial in their battle for survival, with the Blues just a point ahead of 18th-place Burnley at the start of the day (albeit with a game in hand).
Donny van de Beek, who’s on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, had started five Premier League matches in a row before hitting injury trouble.
He missed four straight games with a thigh problem but was on the back bench against Leicester City in midweek.
That should have put him in starting contention against the Reds, but it appears he’s suffered a fresh setback in a blow for Lampard.
The latest
Ben Dinnery, an injury analyst and a contributor for Sky Sports, tweeted that ‘the Toffees’ injury problems continue’.
He reported that, according to Everton boss Lampard, both Van de Beek and fellow midfielder Andre Gomes would miss the game with groin injuries.
The verdict
Everton have been hit particularly hit by injuries this season.
As of 5 April, Everton led the way in the Premier League for most absences and for injuries suffered per 1,000 minutes played.
It’s been a significant factor in their struggles this season. With better luck, they might not have been in such deep trouble.
In addition to Van de Beek and Gomes, Lampard will be without Nathan Patterson (ankle), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quad), Tom Davies (thigh) and Andros Townsend (knee).
That makes a daunting task at Anfield all the more difficult.
In other news, Everton risk losing one of their biggest stars.