Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was only starting to get up to full speed, and looked to be at proper fitness to help his club see out the season as they fought for a European position.
But late in Sunday's Merseyside derby, the center back had a coming together with Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo which saw the England defender hit the advertising board behind Jordan Pickford's goal.
While he initial attempted to get up, Branthwaite hit the floor moments later and had to be taken off the pitch via stretcher.
Reports have now come out to suggest that while Branthwaite did not injure his hamstring to the extent he did earlier in the season, causing him to miss five months to begin the campaign, the injury is sufficient enough to keep him out for the final month of the Premier League year.
It also means any thoughts about his joining Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, if they existed at all, are thoroughly dashed.
The hope is that the timeframe is closer to two months, suggesting the injury is much milder than the one he suffered before. This is good news, as it means the defender, who'll only turn 24 at the end of June, could be ready for pre-season activities and the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Missing one of the club's best players doesn't necessarily mean that Everton's hopes for a European berth are gone, but it will make the road much more difficult.
For one, it means one fewer player available in central defense, as Michael Keane will likely step back in as the week-to-week starter next to James Tarkowski, leaving Jake O'Brien as the only other senior center back. The Ireland international, of course, has spent most of the season as David Moyes' preferred option at right back, however.
That means any shifts in central defense could impact right back, which would mean creativity from Moyes' lineups, something he hasn't shown much propensity for this season.
It also means that Moyes must go back to a defending duo that lacks pace and top-notch athleticism. The pair is solid in the air and when the ball is in front of them, but has often struggled when strikers and other attackers beat them for pace.
But unless Moyes opts to shift someone else into O'Brien's right back slot (Nathan Patterson and James Garner have both seen time there this season), this seems to be the way things will shake out for the rest of the season.
The hope will be that Everton can stay afloat in the European race, yes. But the club will also want Branthwaite to return to full health as soon as possible, so he can be part of next season's squad, wherever they may play matches.
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