Following an injury sustained during the international break, Everton have now received a positive update regarding the fitness of right-back Nathan Patterson.
The Lowdown: Patterson’s emergence
Having arrived at Goodison Park in January in a deal worth £16m, the 20-year-old failed to make an instant impact at the club before undergoing ankle surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
Going into the new campaign, the Scotland international was yet to make his Premier League debut. However, the full-back must have made a great impression during pre-season because he has since started every single top-flight game for the Toffees.
Patterson was thus included in Scotland’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures taking place during the international break.
The Latest: Positive update
Worryingly for Blues fans, the Scotsman succumbed to injury within just 25 minutes of his side’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Wednesday, for which he taken off the field on a stretcher.
However, according to Scottish Express Sport, the injury to the Everton man is not as bad as first feared, meaning he is not facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.
The player will see a specialist on Tuesday to confirm the extent of his injuries, but he is only expected to miss a short period.
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The Verdict: Promising youngster
Having signed a long-term deal with the Toffees, it is clear to see Frank Lampard thinks highly of the youngster, as he is seemingly destined to take over the right-back role from club legend Seamus Coleman.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the full-back ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles, in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 83rd percentile for dribbles completed – illustrating his ability to push forward, as well as defend.
Therefore, with Everton preparing for their away visit to Southampton on Saturday, Lampard will be hoping Patterson can make it back fit as soon as possible, with the Manchester United clash also just round the corner.