Everton defender Mason Holgate likely has a knee ligament strain, according to medical expert Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Holgate’s injury
During the Toffees’ 1-1 draw against Brentford last week, the 25-year-old was forced off the pitch just before the 70th minute after sustaining a knee injury, with Michael Keane taking his place.
After the match, Blues manager Frank Lampard shared his immediate thoughts on the issue: “He’s opened up his knee and felt some pain so we are going to scan it in the next day or so.”
Holgate, who has previously been deemed 'excellent' by Liverpool Echo reporter Sam Carroll, was subsequently not included in Everton’s squad for their 1-1 draw at Elland Road against Leeds United.
The Latest: Dinnery’s claims
Going off Lampard’s comments, Sky Sports and Premier Injuries contributor Dinnery believes Holgate has suffered a relatively minor MCL injury, which could see him out of action until after the international break.
Speaking with Football Insider, the injury expert said:
“Usually, when we talk about ‘opening up the knee’ that is the internal ligament, the medial collateral ligament.
“It’s fairly common in football because of the dynamic nature of the sport. It can happen when you land awkwardly or from running.
“If you’re looking at an external force, a tackle from the outside of the knee, it’s the job of the MCL to resist that force.
“So, he will probably have a slight strain.
“We understand that it is not on the serious side, and Lampard is hoping for it to be weeks rather than months. However, it may be after the international break given its close proximity.”
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The Verdict: Everton’s injuries racking up
As per the Toffees’ official website, Holgate has now been added to the club’s extensive list of injuries.
To Lampard’s dismay, the former West Brom loanee joins fellow centre-backs Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina on the sidelines.
Having damaged his ankle ligament, Mina is scheduled to return to fitness in October, whilst Godfrey’s injury is more serious, with a fractured fibula keeping him in the medical room until November.
As a result, alongside Keane, this only leaves new signings James Tarkowski and Conor Coady available for selection.
This could be a worrying sight for Lampard, given the extent of Holgate’s injury is yet to be fully determined, with a lack of depth already an issue for the squad and the transfer window now closed.