Nathan Patterson is reportedly 'back fit' and 'expected' to be in the squad for Everton for their trip to Fulham in the Premier League this evening.

The Lowdown: Out since September

Patterson has been out since September with an injury to his ankle suffered during international duty, and has missed the Merseyside club’s last five matches in the top flight.

The right-back had previously started every game ahead of club captain Seamus Coleman, showing how much Frank Lampard rates him.

The Latest: Back in squad

Taking to Twitter on Thursday afternoon, Toffees reporter for The Athletic Patrick Boyland has shared that Patterson is 'back fit' and 'expected' to be in the squad against Fulham:

"Nathan Patterson back fit and expected to be in Everton's squad to face Fulham at the weekend. Good news - has been missed."

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The Verdict: Huge boost

Having Patterson back and available is no doubt a huge boost for Lampard and his side.

The Scotland international has ranked as the Blues’ fourth-best performer in the Premier League so far this season, and no player in the squad has averaged more tackles (four) per match than him (WhoScored).

Some of his performances have really stood out, notably in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool in September, when journalist Paul Brown claimed that he was ‘absolutely tremendous’, ‘phenomenal’ and ‘one of the best players on the pitch’.

Nonetheless, to get a result against high-flying Fulham, Everton will need their best players on the pitch, and Patterson certainly gives them an extra dimension at right-back.