Everton centre-back Yerry Mina is getting closer to returning from injury, injury analyst Ben Dinnery reports

The lowdown

Mina hasn't played since the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle on 8 February - Frank Lampard's first Premier League game in charge.

The thigh injury he sustained at Goodison Park has kept him out for the last six Premier League matches, as well as two FA Cup games.

Everton resume their bid to survive on Sunday afternoon when they travel to seventh-place West Ham United.

And aside from Mina, Lampard is without Allan (suspended), Tom Davies (knee) and Andros Townsend, who suffered an ACL injury last time out against Crystal Palace.

The latest

Dinnery tweeted on Monday morning that Mina 'will step up his recovery at Finch Farm this week'.

Meanwhile, Fabian Delph has been 'involved with the group' of players who have remained on Merseyside during the international break.

'Lampard is hopeful' that he'll be back in 'contention' for the trip to the London Stadium.

The verdict

When could Mina actually be back in action?

Well, according to Dinnery's Premier Injuries site, he's scheduled to return on 20 April, when Everton host Leicester City. That would mean a further three-game absence, including a vital clash with relegation rivals Burnley on 6 April.

When Mina completes 90 minutes (as he's done on six occasions this season), The Blues concede an average of 1.33 goals per game, but when he doesn't, that climbs to an alarming 1.86.

You could argue, then, that the Colombian's predominant lack of availability has been a significant factor in their struggles this season, and that getting him fit for the run-in could be key.

In other news, read this transfer insider's claim on Anthony Gordon.