Everton host Brentford this weekend in a crucial home fixture as a win will drive them closer to the magical mark of 40 points that should guarantee them safety. After Everton’s failure to breeze past already relegated Watford, the home tie against Brentford becomes of paramount importance.
The Toffees sit two points above Leeds United and Burnley considered direct rivals in the relegation scrap. In a relegation battle, a manager desires to have a full strength side at his disposal. However, Frank Lampard hasn’t enjoyed that privilege yet.
From time to time, core members of the Everton unit have missed a number of games due to injury which has often caused the team to crumble because of the lack of equilibrium in the squad.
For example, without Yerry Mina, Everton’s defence looks unorganized and lacks solidity. His return delivered instant results as the Merseysiders impressively won seven points out of nine. Sadly, the Colombian picked up a calf injury against Leicester City.
Everton Injury news
Mina’s absence will be felt again as he continues to recuperate from his calf injury. Ahead of the game against Brentford, Lampard was again has to deal with injuries to key players as Fabian Delph has joined the injury list.
The Englishman was terrific in recent games, acting as an anchor in the midfield and relegating Allan to the bench. The 32 year old brought experience and leadership to the heart of the midfield but picked up an injury and was forced off in the second half of the Watford game.
Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek have been recovering from their respective injuries and are close to a return.
"Fabian won’t be fit for the game against Brentford. We’ll see for the rest of the season It’s a small injury, a muscle injury, but it’s an injury enough to keep him out of the game. Ben Godfrey is very close, he’s possibly going to be in the squad. Donny van de Beek is getting closer. He might be involved on Sunday and if not, on Thursday. (via club’s official YouTube channel)"
The absence of Delph will be felt as he has been huge for the side in the recent survival battle. On the other hand, a potential return of Van de Beek and Godfrey does give some relief but it is unlikely that either of them will find themselves in the starting lineup. With the former Manchester City man ruled out of the Brentford tie, Allan should replace him in the lineup.
Can Allan minimize Delph’s absence and put in an impressive shift?